PM Rabuka appointed to global policy fellowship at University of Pennsylvania

The Government of Fiji has announced that Prime Minister Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka and Permanent Secretary for Environment and Climate Change Dr Sivendra Michael have been appointed to the Distinguished Visiting Fellows Programme at Perry World House, University of Pennsylvania — a significant milestone for Fiji and the wider Pacific region.

Prime Minister Rabuka has been selected as a Distinguished Global Leader for the period August 2026 to May 2027, while Dr. Michael has been appointed a Distinguished Visiting Fellow for 18 months commencing January 2026. Together, they become the first Pacific leadership duo to be selected into the highly competitive programme.

Perry World House serves as the University of Pennsylvania’s global policy hub, bringing together world leaders, policymakers, scholars and practitioners to address major global challenges including climate change, democracy, security and global justice.

This year’s cohort includes internationally recognised figures such as former UN Special Representative for Disaster Risk Reduction Mami Mizutori, former UN Deputy Secretary-General Mark Malloch-Brown, former U.S. Principal Deputy Special Envoy for Climate Susan Biniaz, and Jo Puri, Director of Policy and Programs at the United Nations Environment Programme. Fiji’s inclusion places Pacific leadership alongside some of the most influential voices in global policy.

Prime Minister Rabuka said the appointment reflects Fiji’s longstanding commitment to principled and constructive global engagement.

“Fiji has always contributed significantly to global climate policy discourse. Our presence at Perry World House ensures that Pacific perspectives, lived realities, and solutions continue to shape global decision-making. This is not only recognition of Fiji’s leadership — it is an opportunity to strengthen it,” he said.

Professor Michael Horowitz, Faculty Director of Perry World House, welcomed the appointments, highlighting their global relevance.

“Prime Minister Rabuka and Dr. Michael represent the kind of global leadership that Perry World House and Penn seek to engage — leaders with practical experience and global responsibility in a changing world. Their perspectives from the Pacific will enrich our community and deepen our understanding of the world’s most urgent challenges,” he said.

Fiji’s participation in the Distinguished Visiting Fellows Programme further reinforces its standing as a trusted global partner and a leading Pacific voice in shaping solutions for a more resilient and equitable future.