Professor Steven Ratuva, a renowned academic from Fiji, has been appointed by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres to join an esteemed high-level expert group tasked with preparing the 2027 Global Sustainable Development Report (GSDR). This pivotal document is aimed at guiding international policy beyond the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Currently serving as the Pro-Vice Chancellor Pacific at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand and Director of the Macmillan Brown Centre for Pacific Studies, Professor Ratuva was selected from a competitive pool of candidates, with his nomination supported by the International Science Council. His appointment highlights his expertise in political sociology, climate security, global development, and social protection.
The GSDR is released every four years as a comprehensive analysis focused on broader issues that surpass the current SDGs. The 2027 SDG Summit aims to leverage existing achievements to formulate a robust strategy for sustainable development beyond 2030.
Professor Ratuva’s inclusion in this elite expert group underscores Fiji’s active role in global development dialogues, positioning the Pacific region as a major contributor to future sustainability policies. The group features experts from diverse nations including Brazil, China, Nigeria, Egypt, and Greece, combining their varied perspectives to tackle pressing global issues.
With experience collaborating with organizations like the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Asian Development Bank, Commonwealth Secretariat, and the Pacific Islands Forum, Professor Ratuva is well-equipped to address modern global challenges. His extensive background and leadership are expected to significantly influence the path towards creating an environmentally sustainable, socially inclusive, and economically viable future.
His appointment not only affirms Fiji’s growing influence in international affairs but also its commitment to promoting sustainable development and global cooperation.