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Rishi Sunak steps into academia with Oxford, Stanford Fellowships

iGlobal Desk

Former UK prime minister Rishi Sunak opened up a new chapter this week as he accepted major academic roles in two of the world’s leading educational institutions – the University of Oxford in the UK and University of Stanford in the US.

At Oxford’s Blavatnik School of Government, the British Indian Member of Parliament for Richmond and Northallerton joins as a member of the World Leaders Circle and a Distinguished Fellow. At Stanford’s public-policy think thank Hoover Institution, he has been named the William C. Edwards Distinguished Visiting Fellow.

The Blavatnik School noted that as it advances its research and teaching on critical topics, from digital transformation and climate change to global security, its World Leaders Circle will enhance efforts to promote more effective governments worldwide.

Professor Ngaire Woods, Dean of the Blavatnik School, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming Rishi Sunak to the Blavatnik School as a member of our World Leaders Circle and a Distinguished Fellow. Bringing together a global network of leaders with such rich experience and insight will strengthen our mission to foster a world that is better led, better served, and better governed.

“His expertise will shape our work to equip today’s public leaders around the world with the urgent skills they need to tackle evolving global challenges, as well as seizing the opportunities."

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William Hague, Conservative Party veteran and University of Oxford Chancellor-elect, welcomed Sunak’s experience as PM and Chancellor as a huge asset to the institution.

Lord Hague said: “Rishi’s connection to Oxford University runs deep, and it’s great to see him coming back to his alma mater to contribute in such a meaningful way. I have no doubt his insights will inspire the next generation of leaders who are starting their journey here at Oxford."

The Hoover Institution, meanwhile, welcomed Sunak’s work on trans-Atlantic relations, economic policy, technology and global security challenges in his new role.

Condoleezza Rice, former US Secretary of State and Hoover Institution Director, said: “As former prime minister, Rishi Sunak holds extensive policy and global experience that will enrich our fellowship and help to define important policies moving forward.

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“The United States and the United Kingdom share a very special bond, and we look forward to the impact of his work on the many challenges facing democracies and the world in the years to come.”

Jonathan Levin, President of Stanford University, added: “Rishi Sunak’s deep knowledge of geopolitical issues and economic policy will make him an excellent addition to our Hoover fellows and to our university more broadly.”

Before entering politics, Sunak had a career in finance at Goldman Sachs, the Children’s Investment Fund and co-founding an investment firm supporting British businesses. Educated at Winchester College, he went on to read Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE) at Oxford and got his MBA from Stanford University – where he also met his Indian wife Akshata Murty.

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