Tess Newton Cain is a renowned expert on governance, development, and security issues in the Pacific islands region. She is a dual citizen of Vanuatu, a former lecturer in Law at the University of the South Pacific, and has worked in the region for more than 25 years. She possesses a deep understanding of the legal, political, and social dynamics that shape the region, which informs her research, commentary and advice that she provides to a wide range of stakeholders. Tess is currently the lead for the Pacific Hub at the Griffith Asia Institute, Griffith University.