The Executive Committee
Hon. Mr. Akmal Ali
President and Founder
In the 7 years of its existence, the Basic Diplomacy Training Programme run by UNA Fiji has gone from strength to strength under President Ali’s leadership, with over 500 people having been trained. Mr. Ali is a passionate believer in the concept of leadership through the art of diplomacy with the spirit of leaving no one behind, and he continues to grow UNA Fiji through his vision.
With over 20 years of experience in working with stakeholders from local, national, regional, and global levels, Mr. Ali is a strong advocate for global citizenship education and specializes in the areas of Pacific Development, Human Development, Humanitarian Work, Governance, and High-Level Political Advocacy.
He serves as the Chairperson of the Steering Committee of the Royal Commonwealth Society of Fiji (RCS), and is the UN Representative and Special Advisor on the Pacific for PEAC Institute New York, as well as serving as an Adviser for Reverse the Trend New York.
He has been employed at the Pacific Islands Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (PIANGO) since 2015 and is currently the Networking and Capacity Innovation Officer. In this role he works with the national liaison units (NLUs) of PIANGO in 24 Pacific countries and territories, translating the relevant international and regional commitments to the national and grassroots agenda. He works closely with START Network helping to design the Pacific Hub (Humanitarian Hub). He is also entrusted with networking and maintaining partnerships on behalf of PIANGO with partners and stakeholders at all levels. He has represented PIANGO and the Pacific in several high-level international meetings, such as the UN HLPF 2019 and the G20 Summit 2020, and is currently serving as a member of the C20 International Advisory Committee for the G20 Summit Italy 2021.
For more information, visit Mr. Ali’s LinkedIn Page Here.
Hon. Mr. Vipin Maharaj
Vice-President
Hon. Mr. Vipin Maharaj currently serves as the Vice-President of the United Nations Association of Fiji (UNA Fiji), where he plays a vital leadership role in advancing the organization’s mission and ensuring the effective coordination of its strategic and operational efforts. His responsibilities include supporting the President in administrative and policy matters, overseeing standing committees, and representing UNA Fiji at high-level forums and diplomatic events. His steady rise within the organization reflects both his dedication and capacity for progressive leadership.
Prior to his appointment as Vice-President, Mr. Maharaj served as Secretary and earlier as Deputy Secretary of UNA Fiji, where he was responsible for managing records, correspondence, and internal communications. He has been a committed member since 2020, contributing significantly to the organization’s diplomacy training programmes—first as Assistant Coordinator in 2021, then Coordinator in 2022, and Deputy Coordinator in 2023. He also held the position of Deputy Coordinator for the Hospitality Team in 2021.
His involvement in Diplomacy Training is noteworthy, having progressed from the role of Assistant Coordinator in the Basic Diplomacy Training Program 2021 to ultimately becoming the Coordinator in 2022. In 2023, he served as the Deputy Coordinator, showcasing his evolving leadership within the Organization. Mr. Maharaj also served as Deputy Coordinator for the Hospitality Team of UNA Fiji in 2021.
Mr. Maharaj is pursuing a Bachelor of Law (LLB) at the University of the South Pacific, showcasing his dedication to academic excellence. With a keen interest in legal affairs, he aspires to leverage his education to take on the role of Attorney General and specialize as a criminal lawyer.
His passion for global affairs and politics is evident in his multifaceted contributions. As the Secretary of UNA Fiji, Mr. Maharaj not only oversees administrative responsibilities but also represents the organization in various forums. Notably, he serves as UNA Fiji's representative at the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), collaborating with the Pacific Human Rights Network. Additionally, he holds a pivotal position on the FALE Fiji steering committee as the National Youth Representative.
Mr. Maharaj's dedication extends beyond UNA Fiji; he is the General Secretary-elect for the Youth Assembly of Fiji (YAF), responsible for the Central, Eastern, Western, and Northern divisions. Mr. Maharaj also served as a valuable member of the USP Law Students Association (USPLSA) Laucala Constitutional Review Committee. His leadership in youth engagement underscores his commitment to fostering positive change within the community.
Before his involvement with UNA Fiji, Mr. Maharaj showcased leadership abilities as the Rishikul Sanatan College Culture Committee Student President for two years, concluding his service in January 2021. In 2018, he served as the Vice-President of the same committee, demonstrating a consistent commitment to cultural and educational initiatives.
A firm believer in avoiding judgment based on preconceptions and appearances, Mr. Maharaj emphasizes the importance of fair and unbiased perspectives and centralizes valuing loyalty above all else.
Beyond his professional pursuits, he finds joy in traveling, indulging in games, watching crime and suspense-filled series, and immersing himself in the world of music.
In crafting a professional narrative, Mr. Vipin Maharaj emerges as a dynamic and forward-thinking individual, contributing significantly to the spheres of diplomacy, human rights, and youth empowerment. His academic pursuits and diverse leadership roles underscore his dedication to personal and professional growth.
Hon. Ms. Arci Singh
Secretary
Ms. Arci Singh currently serves as the Secretary of the United Nations Association of Fiji (UNA Fiji), where she holds a central role in maintaining the Association’s administrative records, managing correspondence, and supporting the coordination of meetings and official reporting. Her position is key to ensuring the smooth internal operations of the organization, where she combines attention to detail with strong communication skills.
Ms. Singh has been an active member of UNA Fiji since graduating from the Basic Diplomacy Training Programme in 2018. She currently serves as Deputy Coordinator of the programme, contributing to the training and mentorship of new cohorts. She believes the programme offers a valuable platform to understand the workings of the United Nations and helps bring out the hidden talents of individuals.
Academically, Ms. Singh is pursuing a Diploma in Prosecution at the University of the South Pacific, with aspirations to further her studies in Psychology. During her time at USP, she volunteered with the Campus Life Buddy Programme, helping first-year students transition into university life.
Professionally, she has been employed for the past two years as a Customer Sales and Service Representative at Mindpearl, where she has built a reputation for reliability and client service. Outside of her professional and academic commitments, Ms. Singh enjoys reading, watching movies, listening to music, and crafting.
Hon. Ms. Sweta Kumar
Executive Committee Member
Ms. Sweta Kumar is an Executive Committee Member who previously served as the Treasurer in the Office of the Treasurer as well as the Secretary of UNA Fiji from 7 August 2021 to 9 April 2022, prior to which she also served as an Executive Committee Member.
She has made remarkable progress in the organization which she joined in 2019 when she completed the Basic Diplomacy Training Programme successfully.
Ms. Sweta believes that the Basic Diplomacy Training Programme will help an individual learn and gain more knowledge about global issues and develop leadership skills. This program will help individuals gain confidence and will enable them to stand in the crowd all alone.
Ms. Sweta is currently a Third-year university student pursuing her studies in Bachelor of Commerce Double Majoring in Management and Tourism Studies at the University of the South Pacific. She is a recipient of the National Topper Scholarship.
During her high school days at Vashist Muni College located in Navua, she served as the Student Council Secretary in 2019 and Assistant Secretary in 2018.
Ms. Sweta loves dancing, listening to music and swimming. She is from the Anaconda town, Navua.
Hon. Ms. Kelera
Executive Committee Member
Kelera is an Active UNA Fiji member, serving as an Executive Committee member and the Hospitality Coordinator for UNA Fiji. Her involvement in these roles showcases her leadership abilities and her commitment to making a difference in her community.
Her excellent rapport with peers and the general public is a testament to her strong communication skills, honed through her education and experiences. Holding an Advanced Certificate in Information Technology from 2010 and having completed communication skills training at Fiji National University from 2012 to 2013, Kelera demonstrates a keen ability to adapt and communicate effectively in various situations.
Kelera's skill set also includes flexibility, adaptability, and a quick learning ability, as evidenced by her completion of courses such as Basic Fire Extinguisher training in 2015-2016 and Basic Level Defensive Driving Course in 2018. She approaches challenges with a positive attitude and critical thinking, attributes further developed through her participation in leadership training, financial management courses, and capacity-building programs.
With a strong foundation in computer skills and a commitment to honesty, integrity, and punctuality, Kelera has a track record of success in various roles. Her experience as a Registry Officer from 2010, Administrative Clerk at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry from 2006 to 2007, and Receptionist at nzptc in 2008-2009, has equipped her with valuable skills in office management, customer service, and administrative tasks.
Kelera's dedication to continuous improvement is evident in her participation in various training programs and her commendation awards. She is known for her creativity, tolerance, and ability to coach others, contributing positively to team efforts and organizational goals.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Kelera Tamani is a dedicated and efficient professional known for her detail-oriented approach and exceptional competency. With a strong work ethic and a commitment to excellence, she excels in every task she undertakes. Organized and driven, Kelera consistently strives to achieve the best results possible.