Tekau Frere, a French Polynesian native who survived a tsunami alert, a drowning, and has developed acute seasickness all before age 6, has transformed these early challenges into a profound commitment to protecting the Ocean. Her career includes advisory roles with the French Polynesian government, Small Island Developing States (SIDS) delegations in multilateral processes, and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General and Pacific Ocean Commissioner, with a particular focus on climate change, ocean governance, and sustainable development. She has engaged in the BBNJ process since 2013 coordinating Pacific regional experts, providing advice to Pacific SIDS, developing the Pacific ratification support program, as well as recently providing support for SIDS in preparations for implementation.
A 2023 Asia Pacific Obama Leader, Tekau holds an AA in Theatre Arts, a BA in Political Science from UCLA, and a Master’s of International Affairs from Columbia University. When not championing ocean protection, Tekau nurtures her cultural roots by singing in a traditional Polynesian choir. Now joining the High Seas Alliance, she continues her mission to safeguard the oceans that once threatened—and ultimately inspired—her life’s purpose.