Two years ago, I sent an essay entry to Oxford Royale on climate refugees, centering on the resilient story of a man named Ioane Teitiota . During the intense scramble for research, I also learnt about an inspiring leader who empowered Teitiota’s voice and has been fighting for climate justice for decades. His sense of urgency and purpose shaped his nation’s fight for its place at the table. So, naturally inspired by his story, I dreamt of sitting at a table with him one day.