Arndt-Corden Department of Economics

Anna Kapil, a Papua New Guinea native, embarked on a transformative journey when she earned the ANU-UPNG scholarship through Crawford’s Development Policy Centre after completing her Bachelor’s degree in Economics at the University of Papua New Guinea in 2021.

Growing up, Anna was driven by a desire to be different, challenge societal norms, and bring positive change to her community. Her inclination towards sustainability and economics paved the way for her academic pursuits.

Choosing to study at Crawford was a natural decision for Anna, as it aligned with her aspirations to understand and address the issues faced by the developing world, particularly in her homeland. Her interest in carbon trading and climate financing stems from her PNG roots, where she sees the potential for her country to contribute to combating climate change while also benefiting from it.

As the ANU First Nation or Pacific Island Scholarship recipient and first-time attendee at the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), Anna is both excited and nervous, anticipating exposure to world leaders and profound thinkers.

Passionate about energy, finance, and trade, Anna looks forward to engaging in discussions and negotiations at the conference. Her focus on developing negotiation skills reflects her anticipation of the intense and fascinating environment at COP 28, with her primary goal to absorb as much knowledge as possible, aiming to apply it to her academic studies and future career.

Anna envisions her experience at COP28 influencing her future academic and professional pursuits significantly. This international conference marks a personal milestone for her and has the potential to redirect her career. Anna hopes to emerge from the conference with deeper insights, igniting a flame within her to champion Pacific Climate Change issues in the years to come.

Follow Anna’s experiences on this impactful adventure through Crawford’s social media accounts and learn more about the pressing issues she’s championing.