From Graduation to Global Stage: UNA Fiji celebrates JDTP 2025 and becomes the First Pacific Member of WFUNA

The Junior Diplomacy Training Programme graduation ceremony, held on Saturday, 19 July 2025, at the FBE Lecture Theatre, University of the South Pacific in Fiji, marked a significant milestone in the organization’s mission to cultivate active, impactful citizens.

Each graduate completed 108 hours of training in diplomacy, public speaking, and leadership, culminating in a ceremony that celebrated their dedication and achievement. The organization is confident that, equipped with these skills and guided by their mentors’ teachings, the graduates will go on to become effective leaders and solution-oriented individuals who embody class, dignity, and elegance.

The event opened with a powerful address by UNA Fiji President and Founder, Hon. Mr. Akmal Ali, who urged JDTP 2025 graduates to uphold the values of diplomacy as a tool for peace and connection.

He shared lessons from his own journey, stressing humility and respect for others’ time as keys to effective leadership. Mr. Ali also highlighted UNA Fiji’s impact—training over 500 individuals and planting over 39,000 mangroves since 2014.

The Chief Guest for the event, Honourable Assistant Minister for Fiji Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Ms. Lenora Qereqeretabua, began by congratulating the graduates on their achievement and reflected on her experiences in diplomacy and how time-intensive negotiations can be; and the importance of having an attention to detail.

Ms. Lenora Salusalu Qereqeretabua emphasized to the graduates, the importance of respecting the time of individuals and urged our new graduates to step up as climate champions and as leaders of Fiji.

She congratulated UNA Fiji on the major achievement. She especially recognised that after a year-long journey, UNA Fiji is the first organisation in the Pacific to be part of the World Federation of United Nations Associations
She concluded her statement by informing the graduates of the upcoming youth parliament from 9 to 12 September 2025. She urged the present graduates to apply and hope to see them present in the Youth Parliament.

Dr. Esther Williams, the former Deputy Vice Chancellor of USP spoke of her journey and reflected it on to the trainees to never negate the experiences that helped cultivate their characters.

She pondered over the game of squash and how it hones skills like strategic thinking, mental toughness, and adaptability, mirroring the demands of real-world challenges. She urged our trainees to cultivate their skills, expand their network, and offer a voice of hope to our nation.

Dr. David Makanji, a JDTP alumnus, shared how the programme reshaped his worldview teaching him that leadership is about service and diplomacy is rooted in empathy and collaboration. He recalled the impact of discussions on the Sustainable Development Goals and how they aligned with his journey as a doctor.

He urged graduates to lead with humility, advocate with integrity, and remember they are now part of a growing network of changemakers. He closed by thanking UNA Fiji for its unwavering belief in and investment in youth.

The event then proceeded to the presentation of certificates. This procedure was led by the Honourable Secretary of UNA Fiji, Mr. Vipin Maharaj, with the Honourable Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs in Fiji, Ms. Lenora Qereqeretabua presenting the certificates. The following are the list of graduates for the JDTP 2025:

1. Ms. Alesi Esther Nacoba Cava
2. Ms. Avikali Lewaniserua Rokotua
3. Ms. Daleyla Helen Georgia Pickering
4. Ms. Ella Ashna Bhan
5. Ms. Felista Qelabukia Rakesa
6. Ms. Fiza Shabrin Dean
7. Ms. Frances Louise Matavesi
8. Ms. Laisani Disusu Kaisa
9. Ms. Lilieta Adikakua Gonemaituba
10. Ms. Loata Nukutalei Rokobigi Loki
11. Ms. Marica Fanefau Clara Lesi
12. Ms. Pritha Niyati Ram
13. Ms. Reapi Lewa Labalaba
14. Ms. Ruqaiyah Anisah
15. Ms. Shreya Shivani Lata
16. Ms. Silivia Vakaseleyasi
17. Ms. Vilimaina Daurewa Hiuare
18. Ms. Vilisi Muriwaqa Ratuyawa
19. Mr. Epeli Salele Tikoyawa
20. Mr. Ishaan Judah Nand
21. Mr. Isireli Cama Nacoa Seniloli
22. Mr. Isireli Tamanitoakula
23. Mr. Neerav Prayant Ram
24. Mr. Zayne Elmond Keshwan

Furthermore, the Deputy Coordinator of the JDTP 2025, Hon. Ms. Arci Singh, proceeded to facilitate the special awards. The Honourable Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs in Fiji, Ms. Lenora Qereqeretabua presented the awards. The following outlines the special awards:

𝐇𝐎𝐍𝐎𝐑𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐄 𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍: 𝐌𝐫. 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐯 𝐑𝐚𝐦
Recognised for delivering a compelling address at the Model UN, urging world powers to re-evaluate their roles and drive meaningful change.

𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐀𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐃: 𝐌𝐫. 𝐈𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐚𝐧 𝐉𝐮𝐝𝐚𝐡 𝐍𝐚𝐧𝐝
Awarded for consistently arriving early, staying late, and assisting with venue setup and pack-down always willing to do more without being asked.

𝐃𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐀𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐃: 𝐌𝐫. 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐯 & 𝐌𝐬. 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐚 𝐑𝐚𝐦
Acknowledged for their remarkable commitment, travelling from Nadi to Suva each weekend to attend sessions despite their young age and school obligations.

𝐁𝐄𝐒𝐓 𝐃𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐆𝐀𝐓𝐄: 𝐌𝐬. 𝐃𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐲𝐥𝐚 𝐏𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠
Honoured for excellence in diplomacy, consistent representation, strategic alliance-building, and confident leadership throughout the Model UN.

𝐌𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐎𝐔𝐒 𝐀𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐃: 𝐌𝐬. 𝐕𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐢 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐲𝐚𝐰𝐚
Presented for outstanding service to the Community Impact Project, demonstrating initiative, dedication, and a deep sense of purpose.

𝐂𝐎𝐎𝐑𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐎𝐑’𝐒 𝐀𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐃: 𝐌𝐬. 𝐀𝐯𝐢𝐤𝐚𝐥𝐢 𝐑𝐨𝐤𝐨𝐭𝐮𝐚
Recognised for exemplary conduct, punctuality, immaculate presentation, and exceptional attention to detail in her workbook and class engagement.

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐃𝐔𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐄𝐑: 𝐌𝐫. 𝐙𝐚𝐲𝐧𝐞 𝐊𝐞𝐬𝐡𝐰𝐚𝐧
Selected for his eloquence, presence, and embodiment of UNA Fiji’s values demonstrating poise, class, and distinction throughout the programme and carrying Class Dignity and Elegance.

After the presentation of the awards, the Graduate Speaker of JDTP 2025 Mr. Zayne Keshwan delivered his speech. Mr. Zyne Keshwan is a student of Jai Narayan College. He shared his personal experience in the JDTP 2025. He began by stating that it was his parents that urged him to enrol into this program.

He attested to the fact that planting 12,300 mangroves this year was not an easy feat as it tested both physical and mental strengths. He also acknowledged that it has been this program that has pushed him from his comfort zone as a quiet individual to a person who now uses his voice to call for action.

He urged those present for the graduation to enrol into the programs of UNA Fiji as it has taught him diplomacy, civil pride, and to be a better person.
Additionally, UNA Fiji formally thanked those organizations and individuals who came forward this year and assisted in funding this year’s Community Impact Project and were the major contributors.

With their assistance, the cohort of 2025 were able to plant 12,300 mangroves along Korotogo, Sigatoka, adding to a grand total of over 39,000 mangroves planted by UNA Fiji to date. In addition to the JDTP 2025 graduates planting mangroves this year, UNA Fiji was able to conduct a Youth Leader workshop for the youths of Nadroga.

Taking the session forward, was a special segment of the programme where Mr. Ali proudly announced that UNA Fiji has now become a full member of the World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA). This came after a year-long journey and challenges faced after the Graduation of BDTP 2024.

UNA Fiji is proud to announce that it is the only organization in the Pacific that is part of the World Federation of United Nations Associations and the very first in the Pacific; with a core mission to bridge the United Nations and civil society in Fiji and the Pacific, and promoting the UN’s principles and works.

Mr. Ali concluded This session by emphasizing on the principles of class, dignity, and elegance, urging the graduates to preserve these principles.

The Governance Advisor of UNA Fiji, Hon. Ms. Lorraine Seeto closed the ceremony with encouraging words to the twenty-four new graduates, reminding them to continue working toward a legacy by going out into the world and implementing all they have learnt in the Junior Diplomacy Training Programme.

She expressed heartfelt appreciation to Ambassador Amenatave Yauvoli, the Patron of UNA Fiji, and Senior-Vice Patron, His Excellency Tegar Ishosa, and our Chief Guest the Honourable Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs in Fiji, Ms. Lenora Qereqeretabua.

She also expressed gratitude to our distinguished guest and Mentor Dr. Esther Williams, USP School of Accounting, Finance and Economics (SAFE), our various Advisors, and our bilateral partners: The Pacific Islands Development Forum, Dudley High School, Sai Prema Foundation Fiji, and Peace, Education and Art Communication.

Vinaka vakalevu from UNA Fiji and congratulations once again to our 24 graduates! We wish you the best in your respective journeys and look forward to seeing you continue to be ambassadors of a resilient, inclusive and sustainable future for Fiji and the Pacific region.
UNA Fiji aims to continue equipping Fijian locals to contribute to key pillars of the 2050 strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent such as strengthening regionalism and unity, peace and security, sustainable development and people-centred development.