Dr Anthony Mason has been working in international development for 15 years in a number of different roles. Primarily, his work has focussed on the Pacific. Currently, he is an Assistant Director in the Development Policy Section. Between 2020 and 2023 he worked in PNG as the First Secretary for Bougainville Development, managing a multi-faceted sub-national program and gaining first-hand knowledge of the impact locally led development can have on the lives of ordinary people. He is passionate about cross-cultural communication and the importance of appreciating the values, beliefs, and social systems of the communities where development is taking place.