PM Rabuka, Dr Michael appointed visiting fellows at US policy institute

Prime Minister 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.

The Government said the appointments marked a milestone for Fiji and the Pacific, with the two becoming the first Pacific leadership team selected for the globally competitive programme.

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 an 18-month term starting January 2026.

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

This year’s fellowship cohort includes senior international figures such as former United Nations disaster risk reduction chief Mami Mizutori, former UN deputy secretary-general Mark Malloch-Brown, former US climate envoy Susan Biniaz and UN Environment Programme director of policy and programmes Jo Puri.

Prime Minister Rabuka said the appointment reflected Fiji’s continued contribution to global policy discussions, particularly on climate change.

He said Fiji’s participation would ensure Pacific perspectives and lived experiences remained part of international decision-making.

Professor Michael Horowitz, faculty director of Perry World House, said the appointments reflected the relevance of Pacific leadership in addressing global challenges.

He said the experience of Prime Minister Rabuka and Dr Michael would enrich discussions at the institute.

The Government said the appointments recognised Fiji’s role in climate diplomacy, ocean governance, sustainable development and multilateral engagement.

It said Fiji’s participation in the programme further strengthened its standing as a trusted global partner and a leading Pacific voice on resilience and equity.