Asuao Malaki Iakopo

2024-2025 Obama Foundation Asia-Pacific Leader

Headshot of Asuao Malaki Iakopo, 2024-2025 Obama Foundation Asia-Pacific Leader

Assistant Chief Executive Officer, Water Resources Division, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment

Samoa

Asuao Malaki Iakopo is the assistant chief executive officer of the water resources division at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. Malaki implements programs in partnership with communities, with a particular focus on the sustainable management of water resources in Samoa. A public servant since 2003, Malaki brings experience in building trust among local villages and government institutions. He currently serves as the chairman for the Pacific Hydrology Panel under the Pacific Meteorological Council and is Samoa’s Hydrological Adviser to the World Meteorological Organisation. Malaki is passionate about building the resilience of local villages to climate change by promoting sustainable development pathways such as agroforestry, agrotourism, and green jobs.

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Meet the 2024-2025 Asia-Pacific Leaders

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