At the heart of the 2025 Research for Development Impact (RDI) Network Exchange Conference in Sydney, two inspiring changemakers from Fiji stood out—Christian Fong, an aspiring renewable energy engineer, and Serene Shrestha, a global health advocate. Their participation, supported by Australia Awards, highlighted the power of education and collaboration in driving sustainable development across the Pacific.
The conference, a vibrant gathering of researchers, practitioners, and policymakers from Australia and the Indo-Pacific, served as a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange and connection. For Christian and Serene, it was more than just an academic event—it was an enrichment experience that deepened their commitment to community-led change.
Christian Fong: Engineering a Greener Future
Christian, currently studying Renewable Energy Engineering (Honours) at the University of Newcastle, attended the conference as an enrichment activity alongside fellow scholars. Immersed in discussions on development and sustainability, he forged meaningful connections with professionals from across the region.
“Being part of this conference gave me a chance to connect with a diverse and passionate group of professionals committed to development,” Christian shared. “I left the event feeling more inspired and confident in the direction I want to take, integrating renewable energy into sustainable, climate-resilient local projects back home in Fiji.”
He emphasized the importance of ethical collaboration and local-led solutions, noting how the experience reshaped his understanding of leadership. “One message that stuck with me was to see our partners as humans, not just resources,” he reflected.
Serene Shrestha: Health, Climate, and Courage
Serene, an alumna of the Master of Global Health/Public Health program at the University of New South Wales, brought her medical expertise and regional insight to the Exchange. She engaged in sessions that explored climate resilience through multidisciplinary approaches and was particularly drawn to conversations around climate economics, adaptation challenges and innovative education methods.
“What I loved about the RDI Exchange was its warm and immersive nature,” Serene said. “From being encouraged to be ‘half a shade braver’ in our networking, to learning how climate education is being gamified in Indonesia, every moment was thought-provoking.”
The connections she made—including a follow-up research discussion already underway—made the experience deeply rewarding.
Shared Vision, Lasting Impact
Though their paths differ, Christian and Serene share a common goal: to bring their knowledge and networks back to Fiji. Their participation at the RDI Network Exchange reflects Australia Awards’ mission to empower emerging leaders with the relevant tools and experiences to drive transformative and innovative change.
By sharing knowledge and building networks, Christian and Serene are helping strengthen ties between Fiji and Australia—and create lasting impact across the Pacific. Their stories are reminders that real development is not just rooted in policy, but in people bold enough to dream, and connected enough to deliver.
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