King’s Fellow Laksham Sanassee reflects on his time in the UK as part of our week-long celebrations of Commonwealth Day 2026.
Laksham Sanassee, King's Fellow
Laksham Sanassee is a King’s Fellow in the inaugural cohort of PhD candidates within the King’s Commonwealth Fellowship Programme.
Standing inside Westminster Abbey for the world’s premier public event marking Commonwealth Day, I witnessed a living expression of this year’s theme, “Unlocking opportunities for a prosperous Commonwealth”. Through a vibrant blend of culture, dialogue and youth-led contributions, the service showcased the strength of a global community united by shared values. It was a reminder that progress is not achieved in isolation, but through connection, cooperation and common purpose. As a King’s Fellow, this moment set the tone for a week of reflection on how partnerships can transform research into real-world solutions, particularly for Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
From global dialogue to local impact
As a King’s Fellow working in SIDS, the urgency of climate change is not theoretical, it is a reality. Rising temperatures, resource constraints and environmental pressures demand solutions that are not only innovative, but also practical and scalable. Throughout Commonwealth Week, one message became clear: research must move beyond discovery and towards deployment.
This perspective strongly resonated with my work at the University of Mauritius, where my research focuses on sustainable materials development through the conversion of bio-resources and waste streams. These approaches aim to support circular economy transitions while developing climate-resilient materials suited to island contexts. However, the discussions during the week reinforced that the true value of such research lies in its ability to be translated into real-world applications through strong partnerships.
A platform for engagement and exchange
It was a moment of great pride to attend a reception hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at St James’s Palace. As a King’s Fellow, we are not only beneficiaries of this vision but also active contributors, carrying forward The King’s inspiration by advancing research, strengthening partnerships and translating knowledge into impactful solutions that serve our communities and the wider Commonwealth. HRH’s recognition of our work in addressing contemporary challenges, including climate change, was both inspiring and affirming, bringing to life his strong commitment to collaboration, mutual support and shared progress.
I also had the opportunity to discuss my research with attendees of the evening reception hosted by the ACU, where I showcased my work on sustainable materials and green economy transitions. In addition to the reception, the other visiting King’s Fellows and I attended the Commonwealth All-Party Parliamentary Group meeting where we heard about the critical role of education, skills and mobility in strengthening economic resilience across the Commonwealth.
Partnerships as catalysts for resilience
The week ended with the Sustainable Markets Initiative roundtable, where discussions focused on “From Research to Resilience: Unlocking Next-Generation Climate Solutions for SIDS.” A key insight emerging from the dialogue was that while innovation exists, the pathways to scale remain limited, particularly in regions with constrained resources.
Partnerships between academia, industry and policymakers were identified as critical enablers. Pilot projects, co-developed with industry, can provide a bridge between laboratory research and real-world implementation. Equally, international collaboration can facilitate knowledge exchange, access to infrastructure and the co-creation of context-specific solutions.
For SIDS, this collaborative model is especially powerful. These regions can serve not only as beneficiaries of innovation, but as active contributors for developing adaptable, resource-efficient solutions that can inform global sustainability efforts.
Rethinking the role of researchers
A key reflection from the week is the evolving role of researchers in today’s global landscape. Beyond generating knowledge, there is an increasing expectation to engage with stakeholders, contribute to policy dialogue and actively participate in the translation of research into impact.
For early-career researchers and fellows, this shift presents both a challenge and an opportunity. It requires developing not only technical expertise, but also the ability to collaborate across disciplines, sectors and borders. The King’s Commonwealth Fellowship Programme plays a vital role in enabling this transformation by providing access to international networks, mentorship and collaborative platforms.
Looking ahead: From connection to action
As I return to Mauritius, I carry with me not only new knowledge, but also a renewed sense of purpose. The conversations and connections I established during Commonwealth Week have opened pathways for future collaborations that can support the development and scaling of sustainable, climate-resilient solutions.
For SIDS, the challenge is clear but so is the opportunity. By strengthening partnerships, investing in innovation and leveraging global networks such as the Commonwealth, we can accelerate the transition from research to resilience.
In a world facing complex and interconnected challenges, meaningful progress is achieved when we work in partnership. In partnership, we move faster, further and more effectively towards a sustainable and resilient future.
I extend my sincere appreciation to the Association of Commonwealth Universities for their excellent coordination and for providing King’s Fellows with the opportunity to participate in these impactful engagements.
Learn more about the King's Commonwealth Fellowship Programme.
Photo credit: Teofil Rewers