John Taukave
2025-2026 Obama Foundation Asia-Pacific Leader
Advisor and Researcher, Micronesian Center for Sustainable Transport
Fiji
John Taukave is a musician, performer, and academic dedicated to advancing Indigenous Pacific cultures through arts and scholarship. As a senior performing artist and researcher with Rako Pasefika, a Rotuman and Pacific performing arts company based in Fiji, John has spent over 15 years engaging in Oceanic and Rotuman performance, aiming to raise awareness of Rotuman culture and inspire young Pasifika artists. In addition to his artistic endeavors, he provides technical and research support on climate policies and negotiations for the Micronesian Center for Sustainable Transport and Pacific delegations at the International Maritime Organization. John is currently pursuing his doctoral studies on storyliving and Indigenous oceanic philosophy, exploring ways the arts and culture can be woven into maritime diplomacy.
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