From December 18 to 20, 2024, I had the privilege of attending the Cumberland Lodge International PGR Christmas Conference, themed "Should We Make Father Christmas Green Again?" The conference provided a unique platform to critically discuss pressing sustainability issues. Key sessions included topics such as ethical consumption and dilemmas in a time of climate crisis, the impact of overconsumption on the environment, and mitigating climate change. We particularly reflected on the huge amounts of waste produced during Christmas season through food and giftings. The workshops were interactive, blending group discussions, activities, and reflective exercises, which fostered both personal and collective insights.

The session on ethical dilemmas in relation to the environment stood out as the most impactful for me. It prompted deep reflection on the complexities of sustainability and highlighted the importance of holistic, interdisciplinary approaches to tackling global challenges, hence it resonated with me that, “to solve a problem as big as the climate crisis, we need all hands-on deck, and all disciplines at the table.” Coming from a transdisciplinary department, I found the conference to be a safe and enriching space to share my perspectives while learning from fellow researchers across various disciplines. This experience reinforced how deeply intertwined disciplines can be when addressing sustainability issues and other global challenges.

Additionally, the conference offered me remarkable networking opportunities as it pulled postgraduate researchers from several universities. This created a conducive environment for exchanging ideas, exploring potential collaborations, and making new friends! I connected with many of the participants on LinkedIn and am already in touch with several of them for possible future engagements.

On a lighter note, the conference programme included festive social activities, which added a refreshing and enjoyable aspect to the event. Highlights included a Christmas carol service at Cumberland Lodge, a guided winter trail through Windsor Great Park, festive evening games and entertainment, and a traditional British Christmas dinner.

These activities not only enhanced the conference's festive atmosphere but also provided me with additional opportunities to network and connect with other participants from diverse backgrounds. On a personal note, experiencing a traditional British Christmas dinner for the first time since arriving in the UK in 2021 was a memorable and cherished moment.

I am deeply grateful to Warwick Doctoral College for granting me this incredible opportunity, which will remain one of the highlights of my student experience at the University of Warwick. My thanks also go to the Global Sustainable Development (GSD) department for introducing me to this opportunity at the start of my PhD journey. Moving forward, I plan to reflect continuously on my own ethical decisions in relation to sustainability, and to share the knowledge I gained with my colleagues, extending its impact from my immediate circle to broader audiences.

Enjoying the sunset tour through the Windsor Great Park

A photo with Father Christmas after enjoying the British Christmas dinner

Playing table tennis with one of the conference participants