Ambassador Waissi’s Remarks at Nowruz 2026 Celebration

Distinguished Ministers, Excellencies, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, dear friends, and respected members of the Afghan community,
It is a privilege to welcome you all to the Embassy of Afghanistan in Canberra as we gather to celebrate Nowruz, Eid, and the enduring spirit of culture, community, and multiculturalism. Your presence here today sends a powerful message: that even in times of uncertainty, division, and conflict, culture continues to unite us, and humanity continues to prevail.

I would like to warmly acknowledge our long-standing friend, Hon Julian Hill, Fedral Member for Bruce, Assistant Minister for Citizenship, Customs and Multicultural Affairs and International Education and Chair of the Parliamentary Friendship Group for the People of Afghanistan. Your consistent support for Afghanistan and its people, especially in difficult times, is deeply valued. I also acknowledge Mr Peter McCain MLA, Mr Brendan Smyth, Commissioner for International Engagement, Government of the Australian Capital Territory, our colleagues from the diplomatic corps, and all distinguished guests joining us today.

For over three millennia, Nowruz has marked the renewal of life. From Aryana and Bactria to Balkh and beyond, it has carried forward the identity, dignity, and continuity of the Afghan people. Nowruz is not merely a celebration. It is a statement: That after darkness, there is light. After hardship, there is renewal.

This year, we celebrate Nowruz alongside Eid al-Fitr—a rare and meaningful coincidence that brings together the renewal of nature and the renewal of the human spirit. But let me be very clear. While we gather here in celebration, our people continue to suffer. In recent days, more than 127 young lives were lost in Kabul in a care centre. This is not just tragic—it is unacceptable. As we, the Coordination Council of Afghan Diplomatic Missions, have clearly stated: no cause, no politics, no justification can ever excuse the targeting of civilians—especially children and young people. This must be condemned—without hesitation and without qualification.

At the same time, the broader region, including the Middle East, is entering a period of dangerous escalation. Let us not misunderstand this: These are not conflicts of faith.
They are failures of politics and failures of responsibility. And once again, it is civilians who pay the price. The international community must prioritise de-escalation, accountability, and the protection of human life.

For Afghans, our traditions are deeply rooted in our identity. They belong to our history, our families, and our collective memory. And here in Australia, they reflect the strength of a community that continues to preserve its culture, contribute meaningfully to society, and build bridges with others.

Today is also Education Day for Afghanistan. And this is not symbolic—it is urgent. A nation cannot move forward when its girls are denied education. A society cannot prosper when half its population is excluded.

On 29 November 2025, we launched the “A Thousand Suns” campaign, a simple but powerful initiative to amplify voices in support of the girls and women of Afghanistan.
Since then, we have received hundreds of messages from across Australia—messages of solidarity, dignity, and hope. I would like to sincerely thank SAWA for its contributions from Queensland, New South Wales, and South Australia, as well as individuals from the Northern Territory, Western Australia, Tasmania, and Victoria. I invite you all to visit the exhibition, read these messages, and add your own voice. We are only around 400 messages short of reaching one thousand—and I believe we can achieve this milestone together, starting today.

At the same time, we cannot forget that many of our people continue to face profound challenges. Yet even in such circumstances, the spirit of Nowruz endures.
It lives in our language, our traditions, and in gatherings like this. Culture cannot be erased. Hope cannot be banned.

To our people in Afghanistan who are unable to celebrate Nowruz freely today: these dark days will not endure. We look forward to the day when we can all celebrate Nowruz together again in our homeland.

Let me now extend my sincere appreciation to all those who made today possible. I would like to warmly welcome and thank all sponsors, contributors, and partner organisations, whose names are reflected in our program and on our website. We are honoured by the presence of your representatives today. Your support is not only practical—it is a contribution to community, culture, and shared values. I encourage all guests to visit the stalls, engage with our partners, explore Afghan crafts, food, and cultural displays, and support those who have contributed to making this event possible.

My sincere thanks also go to our organising partners, particularly the Afghan Peace Foundation, our dedicated volunteers, who have made this day possible and made our work easier in every way, our artists, singers, and performers, and the stage, technical teams, and those working behind the scenes. You have not only organised an event—you have created a meaningful experience.

And I invite you all to take part in one of the most beautiful traditions of Nowruz: Join us in stirring the Samanak. Stand together, take a moment, make a wish, and be part of a tradition that symbolises patience, unity, and hope. And when it is ready stay, share, and taste it together.

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,
In a world increasingly defined by division, moments like this matter. They remind us that beyond politics and conflict, there is something more enduring: our shared humanity. As we celebrate today, let us carry forward the spirit of Nowruz: Renewal in our thinking, responsibility in our actions, and hope in our vision. May the new year bring peace to Afghanistan, stability to the region, and wisdom to the world.

Nowruz Mubarak. Eid Mubarak.