Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and Dr. Sivendra Michael, the Permanent Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, have been recognized with prestigious appointments in the Distinguished Visiting Fellows Programme at Perry World House, the University of Pennsylvania’s global policy institute. Prime Minister Rabuka is set to serve as a Distinguished Global Leader from August 2026 until May 2027. Meanwhile, Dr. Michael will take on the role of Distinguished Visiting Fellow for a term lasting 18 months, commencing in January 2026.
These appointments mark a significant milestone as Rabuka and Michael become the first leadership duo from the Pacific region to be selected for this highly competitive program. Their inclusion places Fiji at the forefront of global policy discussions on crucial issues such as climate change, security, democracy, and global justice.
Perry World House is renowned for uniting global leaders, scholars, and practitioners to tackle urgent global challenges. The current year’s cohort includes notable figures, including former UN deputy secretary-general Mark Malloch-Brown, former UN disaster risk reduction chief Mami Mizutori, former US principal deputy special envoy for climate Susan Biniaz, and UN Environment Program director Jo Puri.
Prime Minister Rabuka emphasized that these appointments reflect Fiji’s enduring commitment to global climate leadership and multilateral collaboration. Professor Michael Horowitz, Faculty Director of Perry World House, expressed enthusiasm for the inclusion of Pacific leaders, noting that it would enhance global policy dialogues.
The Government of Fiji has hailed these appointments as a national triumph, underlining the nation’s credibility and leadership in climate diplomacy, ocean governance, and sustainable development. Fiji’s involvement in this esteemed program further solidifies its position as a trusted global partner, advocating for a resilient and equitable future for all. This recognition promises to amplify Fiji’s voice and influence in addressing the world’s pressing issues.