From simple beginnings in the Pacific to founding an influential regional organisation.
Akmal Ellyas Ali is one such individual, a visionary who turned his early experiences into a platform for youth empowerment and global citizenship through the United Nations Association for the Pacific.
“My childhood was filled with memories of being the eldest grandchild in the family, which came with both love and responsibility,” Mr Ali said.
Much of his early life was spent around his grandparents’ sugar cane farm.
Before starting school, he lived between several villages, Nawaicoba in Nadi, Wailailai in Ba, and Lakena in Nausori.
“Just before starting Class 4, my family moved permanently to Wailailai, Ba, where my brother and I grew up surrounded by the rhythms of farm life and village living.”
Alongside his studies at Khalsa Primary and Khalsa College, Mr Ali and his brother took up backyard farming, selling vegetables door-to-door.
“When I was in Class 5, I was made to repeat due to my struggles with dyslexia.
“The stigma of being called a ‘repeater’ and the cruel label bodo bakas (dumb box) hurt deeply. Once I learned to read, I couldn’t stop.”
Mr Ali and his brother also ran a roadside barbecue stall during high school, often studying late at night after work.
“Though those years were tough, I am grateful.”
Inspired by his grandfather, a magistrate in Fiji and barrister in New Zealand, he initially imagined a career in law or politics.
“I even began a law degree alongside my BA, but did not complete it.
“Over time, I realised that in civil society, I could make an impact that transcends politics. Here, I work with all people, regardless of caste, colour, creed, or political alignment. That has been far more fulfilling.”
At USP, Mr Ali became a student leader.
In 2012, he was invited to Oxford University to present a paper, a dream come true given his humble upbringing.
“Studying at Oxford had been my childhood dream, one I thought impossible given our family’s circumstances.
“Yet, there I was, presenting on a global stage, thanks to my lecturer Dr Lynda Newland, who nominated me. That moment taught me a lot.
“If you dream, dream big and keep working toward it.”
In 2013, as the secretary general of the USPSA Federal Office, he led a Model UN simulation for youth from 164 countries.
“It hit me that while I was teaching the world about diplomacy, I wasn’t doing anything similar back home.”
This realisation spurred him to co-found the United Nations Association of Fiji in 2014.
“It began with 10 people, but it carried a vision to connect Fijians, especially youth, to the values and opportunities of the UN and, of course, the importance of global citizenship as active Fijian citizens.”
The association’s first major project was in 2018 when they mobilised more than 3000 young people for the Sustainable Development Goals campaign.
“Many said it was the first time the SDGs felt like theirs.
Mr Ali said he wanted to build a locally-led Pacific institutions that could shape policy at local, national, and global levels.
“I want to keep learning and mentoring young leaders, contributing to a peaceful and resilient Pacific.”
He plans to further his studies with a master’s degree in humanitarian co-ordination or diplomacy and later a PhD to deepen his expertise.
“My advice “step away from instant gratification. Life is not about likes or shares. Rome was not built in a day, build your life brick by brick.”
Grounded in his faith, Mr Ali credits Sunni Sufism, among others, as his compass of faith.
