Professor Steven Ratuva, a distinguished academic from Fiji, has been appointed by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres to join a high-level expert group. This group has the critical task of preparing the 2027 Global Sustainable Development Report (GSDR), a key document in guiding global policy beyond the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
As the Pro-Vice Chancellor Pacific at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand and the Director of the Macmillan Brown Centre for Pacific Studies, Professor Ratuva was chosen from a pool of applicants through a rigorous process, with his nomination backed by the International Science Council. His new role is seen as an honor and a significant privilege, one that acknowledges his expertise in political sociology, climate security, global development, and social protection.
The GSDR, produced every four years, serves as an essential “assessment of assessments” for addressing issues that extend beyond the scope of the current SDGs. The next SDG Summit, scheduled for 2027, will focus on building upon existing progress to devise a comprehensive development strategy for the post-2030 world.
Professor Ratuva’s appointment not only places him among an elite group of experts but also highlights Fiji’s strategic involvement in global development initiatives. Fiji’s active engagement on international platforms is underlined by this latest achievement, which positions the Pacific region at the forefront of shaping future global sustainability policies. This group includes experts from various countries such as Brazil, China, Nigeria, Egypt, and Greece — collectively bringing diverse perspectives and expertise to the table.
Professor Ratuva has previously worked with prominent organizations like the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Asian Development Bank, Commonwealth Secretariat, and the Pacific Islands Forum, making his insights particularly valuable in addressing contemporary global challenges. His extensive experience and leadership signify a promising contribution to the creation of an environmentally sustainable, socially inclusive, and economically viable path for global development.
His appointment is a testament to the growing recognition of Fiji’s role in addressing both regional and international challenges, reinforcing its dedication to fostering sustainable growth and cooperation across borders.