Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and Dr. Sivendra Michael, the Permanent Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, have been appointed to the Distinguished Visiting Fellows Programme at Perry World House, affiliated with the University of Pennsylvania’s global policy institute. Prime Minister Rabuka is set to serve as a Distinguished Global Leader from August 2026 to May 2027, while Dr. Michael will take on the role of Distinguished Visiting Fellow for an 18-month term beginning in January 2026.
This marks a historic achievement as Rabuka and Michael become the first leaders from the Pacific region to be part of this prestigious and competitive program. Their appointments elevate Fiji’s standing in global discussions on pivotal topics including climate change, security, democracy, and global justice.
Perry World House is well-known for bringing together global leaders, scholars, and practitioners to address urgent worldwide challenges. This year’s cohort features distinguished personalities such as former UN deputy secretary-general Mark Malloch-Brown and former US principal deputy special envoy for climate Susan Biniaz.
Prime Minister Rabuka remarked that these prestigious roles exemplify Fiji’s ongoing commitment to global leadership in climate action and multilateral engagement. Professor Michael Horowitz, the Faculty Director of Perry World House, showed his excitement about the inclusion of Pacific leaders, anticipating that their perspectives will enrich global policy dialogues.
The Fijian government views these appointments as a significant national accomplishment, showcasing the nation’s credibility and leadership in areas like climate diplomacy, ocean governance, and sustainable development. Fiji’s participation in this highly regarded program not only reinforces its position as a trusted global partner but also emphasizes its advocacy for a resilient and equitable future. This recognition is expected to enhance Fiji’s influence in tackling the pressing issues facing the world today.