Prime Minister of Finland, Petteri Orpo, attended the Hazara Culture Day Celebration as a distinguished guest and keynote speaker.
Prime Minister Orpo stated that for Hazaras who have chosen Finland as their home, this does not mean that they should diminish the importance of their cultural heritage or be unable to preserve and honor it. On the contrary, safeguarding cultural identity is extremely important, and the opportunity to maintain and celebrate it must continue to exist. He noted that he was deeply impressed by the beautiful traditional clothing and the pride that the Hazara community takes in its culture.
The Prime Minister said that the event demonstrated how language, dialect, religion, music, literature, clothing, and art all constitute essential elements of identity. These are part of what makes each of us who we are. Such values become even more significant when one lives far from one’s roots, relatives, and homeland.
He noted that we are living in a particularly difficult and uncertain period, with numerous international crises unfolding this year. Nevertheless, it is important not to forget crises that do not always dominate the headlines, including Afghanistan.
Prime Minister Orpo expressed his deep concern over the situation in Afghanistan, where one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises is ongoing. He stated that the Taliban regime continues to violate human rights, oppress citizens, and impose new restrictions on daily life. In particular, the rights of girls and women are being increasingly undermined. Violence and discrimination against women and girls are never acceptable. Referring to Afghanistan expert Aziza Husseini, he quoted: “In Afghanistan, women are almost prohibited from doing anything except breathing.”
The Prime Minister stated that Finland, as part of the international community and the European Union, has worked and will continue to work to improve the situation in Afghanistan.
He also acknowledged that Finland has faced economic challenges in recent years and has had to make difficult decisions. However, encouraging signs of renewed economic growth are now emerging.
Prime Minister Orpo emphasized that he believes there is enormous capacity and potential within the Hazara community. “You are welcome in Finland and have a role in building our common future. For that, I thank you,” he said.
Continuing his remarks, he highlighted the Hazara community’s long-standing commitment to education. He noted that Hazaras were among the first groups in Afghanistan to advocate for girls’ access to education, describing this as deeply meaningful and valuable. Education, knowledge, and equality, he said, are values that are also very important to him. Even during difficult economic times, Finland has continued to make substantial investments in strengthening basic education to ensure that every child can learn to read, write, and calculate effectively.
Addressing equality and social participation, Prime Minister Orpo stressed that both individuals and societies flourish when everyone, regardless of background, feels included and has opportunities to participate and make a difference. He emphasized the important role played by civil society organizations in promoting equality, non-discrimination, and combating racism, a fact clearly demonstrated during the preparation of the Government’s Action Plan on Equality and Anti-Racism.
The Prime Minister said that he has learned much from people’s personal stories. He recalled meeting a young woman in March whom many in the audience might know—Kimya Fayaz. Her life story, he said, left a lasting impression on him. He thanked her for her honesty and courage, noting that her story had profoundly moved him and was undoubtedly one of the reasons why he was present at the event.
In his concluding remarks, Prime Minister Orpo commended the Hazara Cultural House in Finland for organizing activities related to municipal elections and the European Parliament elections and for encouraging members of the community to vote and engage in political participation. He noted that hundreds of people had attended these programs, describing this as highly valuable and promising. He added that only through cooperation and solidarity can a more equal, prosperous, and successful Finland—and a brighter future for all—be built.
Latif Fayaz, Chairman of the Hazara Culture House in Finland, welcomed the Prime Minister and participants and described the Hazara Culture Day Celebration as an opportunity to revisit the history and culture of the Hazara people. He noted that throughout history, Hazaras in Afghanistan have faced discrimination, oppression, and massacres. He expressed gratitude to the Finnish government and people for welcoming the Hazara community with open arms.
Mr. Fayaz highlighted hard work, education, learning, and peaceful coexistence with diverse cultures as defining characteristics of Hazara culture. He stated that Hazaras in Finland and other host societies seek to contribute through work, education, and active civic participation and regard Finland as their home.
The program continued with remarks by Pirjo Komulainen, First Deputy Mayor of Järvenpää, who explained that the speech had been prepared jointly with Jenni Marttinen, the Second Deputy Mayor.
Deputy Mayor Komulainen stated that the Hazara community forms an active part of Finland’s multicultural society. Hazaras have advanced in education, employment, and social engagement, while the Hazara Cultural House has built bridges between different cultures. “You preserve your language, history, and identity, and you share them with others,” she said.
She further emphasized that social participation is among the most important aspects of a multicultural society. When Hazaras study, work, vote, participate in associations, and introduce their culture to others, they are not merely adapting to Finland—they are actively helping to shape it. “And that is precisely what we as a city aspire to: that everyone who lives in Järvenpää feels that this city is their home,” she stated.
During the program, a painting of the Bamiyan Buddha, created by master artist Nasrullah Paik, was presented to Prime Minister Orpo by Shekeba Ahmadi, Vice Chair of the Hazara Cultural House in Finland.
The festival continued with poetry recitations by young girls Sheida Wafa and Lina Wafa in the presence of the Prime Minister, followed by a display of traditional Hazara clothing.
The second part of the program featured a live musical performance by Elaha Soroor, the renowned and beloved Afghanistani artist, whose performances generated tremendous enthusiasm. Ms. Soroor performed several songs in the presence of Prime Minister Orpo and received warm applause from guests and participants.
Hafiz Habibi and Shahin Sahar also performed traditional Hazara folk songs.
The Hazara Culture Day Celebration was organized by the Hazara Cultural House in Finland on 31 May 2026 at the Cultural Hall of the City of Järvenpää. The event was skilfully hosted and facilitated by two accomplished presenters, Zahra Husseini and Abbas Rezaei.
Alongside the celebration, exhibitions featuring traditional Hazara cuisine, paintings, and local clothing were organized and warmly received by participants.
