Urwin, who resigned from his post at the end of last month, died on Sunday at his family home in Apia, Samoa, after a short battle with cancer.
Urwin traveled to Samoa last week to be with his family and loved ones before his death.
The Suva-based Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat is in the process of formally informing the Forum chair, Dr. Feleti Sevele, who is in Beijing for the Olympic Games, of Urwin’s passing away.
Urwin was appointed secretary general, the first Australian to hold the post, in 2003 by the Pacific leaders at their meeting in Auckland, New Zealand.
His term was extended in Oct. 2006 for another three years and only served a year and half of his second term when he resigned from office on medical grounds.
His position was advertised and three candidates — Willkie Rasmussen of Cook Islands, Tuiloma Neroni Slade of Samoa and the current acting secretary general, Feleti Teo of Tuvalu — have been short-listed for the region’s top job.
The Pacific leaders from 16 Forum countries were due to meet in Niue next week to appoint Urwin’s replacement.
Urwin is Australia’s most distinguished diplomat in the Pacific, serving the Oceania region for 37 years.
He was duly recognized for his service with the Public Service Medal for outstanding contribution to the development of Australia’s relations with the Pacific in 2001 and the Centenary Medal for outstanding public service in advancing Australia’s interest in the South Pacific in 2003.
He is survived by his wife and three sons.
