Group 1

Hi there! My name is Nandhini Somasundaram, and I’ve spent most of my life growing up in Bangalore, India. I’m currently a third-year student at FLAME University in Pune, majoring in Environmental Studies with a minor in Public Policy. My interests lie in human-environment interactions, with a particular focus in political ecology—a lens that has me constantly thinking about the role of democracy in environmental issues.

I strongly believe that democracy and environmental issues are intrinsically connected, as global solutions—particularly for issues like climate change—require governments worldwide to not only collaborate but also reflect the will of the people and remain accountable to them. Over the past two summers, I’ve worked closely with coastal communities in India, exploring often how environmental legislation and institutions, especially when implemented through a top-down approach, negatively affect local communities in the name of tackling environmental issues. Through these experiences, I’ve realized that community-driven solutions, supported by the core values of democracy, are our best bet going forward (for almost all kinds of issues, really).

I’m excited to engage with this year’s forum—both by sharing my own experiences and learning from everyone I interact with. From my side, I hope to bring a Global South perspective to the discussions and approaches rooted in the environmental space. As for my learnings, I look forward to exchanging new ideas and taking home renewed hope to confront the challenges we face today as a society. Looking forward to our time in Athens! 

Hi everyone! My name is Agata Zaborska and I come from Lublin, Poland. I am a third-year undergraduate student at The American College of Greece in Athens studying International Relations and European Affairs. I chose to study here to fully experience the city where democracy was born and explore its connection to today’s political world.

My interest in democracy started with my own country. Poland’s complex history, internal political changes, and its growing relevance on the international stage pushed me to learn about the essence of democracy. I am fascinated by the role of society and the voice of young people in political matters.

Back in high school, I took part in several competitions focused on Polish history, international organizations, and world politics, winning a title in knowledge about Poland's defense and security. Currently, I am working on publishing my research paper that analyzes social media voices about NATO's relevance, especially in the conflict between Turkey and Greece. I also plan to expand my studies to a minor in cybersecurity.

I try to develop my interests by deepening my knowledge in many different fields. I participated in events like the Greek Economic Summit, embassy visits, and various academic and policy-related discussions, which helped me broaden my perspective on global affairs and diplomacy.

I am very excited to meet new people from all over the world during the Athens Democracy Forum. I want to learn different points of view and discuss the problems of the world!