Our People UNHDIP –
Empowering Honorary Diplomacy Worldwide
The United Honorary Diplomats (UNHDIP) is dedicated to fostering diplomatic excellence and strengthening international cooperation through the empowerment and recognition of honorary diplomats worldwide. We are a nonprofit organization based in Melbourne, Australia, with a global reach to support the vital contributions of honorary diplomats.
OUR PEOPLE
President
Ms. Julia Melamed was born in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, into a distinguished family. Her father was a respected lawyer, and her mother was a devoted piano teacher.
Currently, Julia serves as the Honorary Consul General of Haiti in Australia.
She is also the President of UNITED HONORARY DIPLOMATS, a Global Association representing Honorary Diplomats; and a Founding Member and Honorary Secretary of GRULAC Victoria, (a Diplomatic Alliance of Latin American and Caribbean countries)... more
Vice-president
Dr. Teresa De Fazio OAM (MAICD) has extensive experience as a community leader, university leadership, academic and researcher. She is the Director of Intersect Global Partners and continues to be an active community advocate.
Dr. De Fazio was awarded the Order of Australia in 2021. She is a former Commissioner of the Victorian Multicultural Commission. She has a strong research and publications profile, as well as a public speaker and mentor.…more.
Secretary-general
Junior Ceranor Nelson is a distinguished diplomat, entrepreneur, and international cooperation expert dedicated to fostering global partnerships and empowering honorary diplomats. As the Secretary-General of United Honorary Diplomats (UNHDIP), he plays a pivotal role in shaping the organization's strategic vision, strengthening its global network, and advocating for diplomatic excellence.
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Deputy Secretary-general
Tina Viney is the CEO of the Aesthetics Practitioners Advisory Network, a standards body
and member-based organization for skin and age-management professionals including
cosmetic medical practitioners.
Tina is recognized as an expert in industry intelligence, regulations and the development of
best-practice standards. Over the past 20 years, she has developed several risk-management documents and participated in numerous regulatory working groups... more
Treasurer
Colin Kofoed is an Accountant who has been in public practice for more than 35 years.
Colin holds a Bachelor of Business (Accounting) and has significant experience in a wide range of industries. He provides business advice, including but not limited to taxation matters and corporate compliance, and specializes in research and development and Government grants. Colin is a Director of several companies and has been actively involved in a number of start-up companies.... more
Member of the Board of Advisor
The Honorable Bruce Atkinson was President of the Legislative Council in the Victorian State Parliament for eight years between 2010 and 2018 and Deputy President from 2006 to 2010.
Bruce served for 30 years in the Victorian Parliament after being elected in 1992. He was a councilor and twice Mayor of the City of Nunawading (now Whitehorse) for 17 years prior to his election to Parliament...... more
Member of the Board of Advisor
Tessa Sullivan is an award-winning lawyer and Officer of the Supreme Court of Victoria, a qualified mediator and arbitrator certified by the Australian Centre for Justice Innovation and a casual academic and law lecturer at the University of New England. She is the Honorary Consul for Thailand in Melbourne (Victoria)
Tessa was born and raised in Thailand, educated in Singapore and finished her tertiary education in Australia, France, Italy and the United States of America. She speaks four languages and is a married mother-of-three.
Member of the Board of Advisor
John Mario Batroni is a seasoned business executive and community leader.
With over a decade of experience as Chief Executive of Caribbean Food
Manufacturing S.A., a company that is exporting to 13 countries including the United States of America, he got exceptional knowledge in Business and negotiations.
Member of the Board of Advisor
Dr Daye Gang is a barrister at the Victorian Bar, where she specialises in commercial, administrative, and public international law. She was conferred a PhD for her thesis on restorative justice for sexual and family violence. For her research and advocacy on human rights violations in North Korea, in 2021 she won the International Bar Association Outstanding Young Lawyer Award.
Daye was a Track 1.5 diplomat appointed to the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council of the Republic of Korea until December 2024, when she resigned following the then-President's unconstitutional declaration of martial law.
Join Us
UNHDIP is building a future where honorary diplomacy thrives as a cornerstone of international relations. Whether as a member, partner, or supporter, your involvement makes a difference.
