Between 3–5 February 2026, Commonwealth Scholars and Alumni joined the CSC’s annual global conference, Interchange26, to explore how equity, fair trade, and social enterprise can shape a more inclusive global future. The conference included alumni-led keynotes, panel discussions, and interactive workshops.
You can read the bios for all speakers here.
Setting the Stage for Equity
The conference commenced with remarks from Minister Chris Elmore, Parliamentary Under-Secretary at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and Professor Robin Mason ORB, Chair of the CSC. In their speeches, they emphasised equity as an important foundation for achieving prosperity.
The day was chaired by Sarah Amoit Okimaru (2012 Shared Scholar from Kenya), who introduced Nfor Carlton Mbunwe (2024 Commonwealth Startup Fellow from Cameroon) to deliver the opening keynote. In his speech, he highlighted how fair-trade and equity principles contribute to long-term societal wellbeing.
Panellists discussing ‘Knowledge without Borders’
The opening panel, ‘Knowledge without Borders: How Commonwealth research translates into impact’, explored the ways in which CSC-funded research creates tangible impact. Moderated by Mhonishya Krishnamoorthy (2022 Split-site Scholar from Malaysia), panellists Souvik Kumar Ghosh (2010 Shared Scholar from India), Reasat Faisal (2016 Shared Scholar from Bangladesh), Seinya Amie Bakarr (2013 Shared Scholar from Sierra Leone), and Racheal Inegbedion (2022 Shared Scholar from Nigeria) shared examples of how they have implemented their CSC-funded research to influence policy, strengthen communities, and contribute to sustainable economic growth.
Later, attendees were invited to participate in three interactive networking sessions designed to connect Commonwealth Scholars and Alumni working across youth leadership and delivering equity at scale. Sessions were led by Kayola da Barca Vieira (2016 Scholar from Mozambique), Simeon Ogonda (2015 Distance Learning Scholar from Kenya), and Kelvin Msiska (2024 Distance Learning Scholar from Malawi).
Day one ended with a practical workshop led by Nana Ama Boa-Amponsem (2023 Distance Learning Scholar from Ghana). In this session, Nana Ama provided step-by-step guidance on building mission-driven business models to achieve impact, drawing on her experience as Assistant Director of The Education Collaborative.
Scaling Impact and Elevating Underrepresented Voices
Lindah Mbaisi Chavuya (2023 Shared Scholar from Kenya) chaired day 2 of the conference. She was joined by James Nyamai (2024 Commonwealth Startup Fellow from Kenya), who delivered a keynote on ‘Scaling Impact Across Borders’. He shared his experiences of expanding social enterprises internationally, covering a range of considerations, such as mission alignment, regulatory challenges, and investment strategies.
James Otai (2019 Shared Scholar from Uganda) moderated the panel discussion on ‘Breaking Barriers: Women and Marginalised Voices in Social Enterprise’. Panellists Vaibhav Ganesh Sonone 2023 Shared Scholar from India), Keneuoe Semphi (2023 Scholar from Lesotho), Barbara Amoah (2009 Shared Scholar from Ghana), and Farwa Tassaduq (2011 Shared Scholar from Pakistan) shared candid reflections on the structural challenges facing underrepresented changemakers, and the policy and funding reforms needed to shift the landscape.
The day concluded with inspiring reflections from Adekemi Adeniyan in the conversational session, ‘My Journey: From Scholarship to Social Entrepreneur, an inspiring’. Adekemi discussed her journey as a social entrepreneur and in founding Dentalcare Foundation/ Smile Superheroes.
Turning Ideas into Action
On the final day of the conference, speakers and attendees focused on the practical skills and knowledge required to turn ideas into tangible and impactful outcomes.
Chair Unéné Gregory (2015 Scholar from South Africa) introduced the session, ‘From Vision to Action’, a practical workshop delivered by Tharindu Udayanga Kamburawala (2024 Shared Scholar from Sri Lanka). In the session, attendees worked together to transform their development ideas into sustainable action plans.
Keynote speaker Tanushri Roy (2021 Scholar from India) continued the day’s theme in her session, ‘Lessons from the Field’, offering grounded insights from her work in fair trade and equitable development.
In the closing panel, ‘Building Capacity, Building Nations’, Dr Susan Maiava (1986 Scholar from New Zealand), Mohammad Abbas Uddin (2009 Scholar from Bangladesh), Zara Salman (Zara Salman), and Mwanda Phiri (2017 Scholar from Zambia) discussed the importance of skills development, capacity-building, and effective policy in achieving development impact and driving national prosperity.
A Community Moving Forward Together
Interchange26 provided a platform for Commonwealth Scholars and Alumni to grow their networks and connections and share the ways in which they are contributing to a fairer, more equitable Commonwealth.
“The opportunity to connect with fellow Commonwealth Scholars and Alumni from diverse backgrounds and countries was inspiring. Hearing real experiences, sharing ideas, and learning how others are applying their knowledge to create impact in their communities was motivating and reinforced the strong sense of belonging within the Commonwealth network.” Interchange26 participant
You can watch recordings from the sessions on the CSC’s YouTube channel.
