Government of the Republic of Fiji
Government of the Republic of Fiji
01/21/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/20/2026 18:50
FIJI LEADERS APPOINTED TO PRESTIGIOUS PERRY...
The Government of Fiji is proud to announce that the Prime Minister, Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka, and the 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 - marking a significant milestone for Fiji and the Pacific region.
Prime Minister Rabuka will serve as a Distinguished Global Leader from August 2026 to May 2027, while Dr. Michael has been appointed as a Distinguished Visiting Fellow for 18-months commencing January 2026. Together, they represent the first Pacific leadership duo to be selected into this globally competitive programme, reinforcing Fiji's growing influence in international policy and academic discourse.
Perry World House is the University of Pennsylvania's global policy hub, convening world leaders, scholars, and practitioners to address the most pressing challenges of our time, including climate change, democracy, security, and global justice.
This year's cohort includes internationally respected figures such as Mami Mizutori, former Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction, Mark Malloch-Brown, former UN Deputy Secretary-General; Susan Biniaz, former U.S. Principal Deputy Special Envoy for Climate, and Jo Puri, Director of Policy and Programs at the UN Environment Programme, placing Fiji's leadership alongside some of the most influential global policy voices.
Prime Minister Rabuka said the appointment reflected Fiji's commitment to principled global leadership:
"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."
Professor Michael Horowitz, Faculty Director of Perry World House, welcomed Fiji's appointments, noting 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."
The Government of Fiji views these appointments as a national achievement, reflecting the country's credibility, consistency, and leadership in climate diplomacy, ocean governance, sustainable development, and multilateral engagement.
Fiji's participation in this distinguished programme further strengthens its position as a trusted global partner and a leading Pacific voice in shaping solutions for a resilient and equitable future.
Prime Minister Rabuka will serve as a Distinguished Global Leader from August 2026 to May 2027, while Dr. Michael has been appointed as a Distinguished Visiting Fellow for 18-months commencing January 2026. Together, they represent the first Pacific leadership duo to be selected into this globally competitive programme, reinforcing Fiji's growing influence in international policy and academic discourse.
Perry World House is the University of Pennsylvania's global policy hub, convening world leaders, scholars, and practitioners to address the most pressing challenges of our time, including climate change, democracy, security, and global justice.
This year's cohort includes internationally respected figures such as Mami Mizutori, former Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction, Mark Malloch-Brown, former UN Deputy Secretary-General; Susan Biniaz, former U.S. Principal Deputy Special Envoy for Climate, and Jo Puri, Director of Policy and Programs at the UN Environment Programme, placing Fiji's leadership alongside some of the most influential global policy voices.
Prime Minister Rabuka said the appointment reflected Fiji's commitment to principled global leadership:
"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."
Professor Michael Horowitz, Faculty Director of Perry World House, welcomed Fiji's appointments, noting 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."
The Government of Fiji views these appointments as a national achievement, reflecting the country's credibility, consistency, and leadership in climate diplomacy, ocean governance, sustainable development, and multilateral engagement.
Fiji's participation in this distinguished programme further strengthens its position as a trusted global partner and a leading Pacific voice in shaping solutions for a resilient and equitable future.
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