‘Presenting at the flagship #Chevening Conference 2026 was a defining moment in my Chevening journey as a scholar and a Pacific leader. As the only speaker representing Fiji, the Pacific, and the wider Oceania region, I carried with me the collective voices of communities that are often underrepresented in global conversations.
I felt a deep sense of responsibility and pride in highlighting the urgent realities of climate security, issues that are not abstract for us, but lived experiences shaping our present and future. The engagement from fellow Chevening scholars and global peers reaffirmed the importance of inclusive dialogue, where perspectives from the Global South are not only heard but valued in shaping meaningful action.
What made the experience even more special was presenting as a current Chevening scholar at Loughborough University, at its London campus. It felt like a full-circle moment, representing my home region while standing in an academic institution that has supported my growth and aspirations. The conference was more than a platform to speak; it was an opportunity of connection, reflection, and purpose, reinforcing my commitment to continue advocating for climate security and elevating Pacific voices on the global stage.’
🎙️ Avaneesh Raman (
@aconnectionfj ) 👏💙
#MyCheveningJourney #LoughboroughUniversity #StudyMotivation
