JÄRVENPÄÄ, Finland, 31 May 2026 – Prime Minister Petteri Orpo attended the Hazara Culture Day Celebration in Järvenpää as a distinguished guest and keynote speaker, highlighting the importance of preserving cultural heritage, promoting equality, and supporting democratic participation within Finnish society.

Addressing hundreds of participants, Prime Minister Orpo emphasized that choosing Finland as a home should never require people to abandon their cultural identity.

“Safeguarding cultural identity is extremely important, and the opportunity to maintain and celebrate it must continue to exist,” Orpo stated, expressing admiration for the traditional Hazara clothing and the community’s pride in its cultural heritage.

The Prime Minister noted that language, religion, music, literature, clothing, and art are essential elements of personal and collective identity, particularly for those living far from their homeland and relatives.

During his speech, Orpo also addressed the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. He expressed concern over the deteriorating human rights situation under Taliban rule, especially the increasing restrictions imposed on women and girls.

“Violence and discrimination against women and girls are never acceptable,” he said, citing Afghanistan expert Aziza Husseini’s observation that “in Afghanistan, women are almost prohibited from doing anything except breathing.”

Orpo reaffirmed Finland’s commitment, together with the international community and the European Union, to supporting efforts aimed at improving conditions in Afghanistan.

Despite acknowledging Finland’s recent economic challenges, the Prime Minister pointed to emerging signs of economic recovery and highlighted the valuable contributions of the Hazara community to Finnish society.

“You are welcome in Finland and have a role in building our common future. For that, I thank you,” he told attendees.

The Prime Minister also praised the Hazara community’s long-standing commitment to education and gender equality. He noted that Hazaras were among the first groups in Afghanistan to advocate for girls’ access to education, describing education, knowledge, and equality as values shared by both the Hazara community and Finland.

Addressing inclusion and civic participation, Orpo stressed that societies thrive when all people, regardless of background, feel included and able to contribute. He acknowledged the important role of civil society organizations in promoting equality, combating racism, and strengthening social cohesion.

The Prime Minister also recalled meeting young Hazara activist Kimya Fayaz earlier this year, describing her personal story as inspiring and deeply moving.

In his concluding remarks, Orpo commended the Hazara Cultural House in Finland for encouraging civic engagement through activities related to municipal and European Parliament elections.

“Only through cooperation and solidarity can we build a more equal, prosperous, and successful Finland,” he said.

Community Leaders Highlight Integration and Cultural Pride

Welcoming guests to the event, Latif Fayaz, Chairman of the Hazara Cultural House in Finland, described the celebration as an opportunity to honour Hazara history, culture, and resilience.

He noted that Hazaras have historically faced discrimination and persecution in Afghanistan and expressed gratitude to Finland for providing a safe and welcoming environment for the community.

Fayaz highlighted education, hard work, and peaceful coexistence as core values of Hazara culture and emphasized the community’s commitment to contributing positively to Finnish society through employment, education, and civic participation.

Pirjo Komulainen, First Deputy Mayor of Järvenpää, also addressed participants on behalf of the city. She praised the Hazara community’s active role in education, employment, and community engagement and commended the Hazara Cultural House for building bridges between cultures.

“You preserve your language, history, and identity, and you share them with others,” Komulainen said. “When Hazaras study, work, vote, participate in associations, and introduce their culture to others, they are actively helping to shape Finland.”

Cultural Performances and Recognition

A special moment during the celebration was the presentation of a painting of the Bamiyan Buddha by master artist Nasrullah Paik. The artwork was presented to Prime Minister Orpo by Shakiba Ahmadi, Vice Chair of the Hazara Cultural House in Finland.

The event also featured poetry recitations by young participants Sheida Wafa and Lina Wafa, a traditional Hazara fashion showcase, and exhibitions of Hazara cuisine, artwork, and cultural heritage.

The second part of the program included a live performance by renowned Afghan artist Elaha Soroor, whose appearance received enthusiastic applause from attendees. Traditional Hazara folk music was also performed by Hafiz Habibi and Shahin Sahar.

The Hazara Culture Day Celebration was organized by the Hazara Cultural House in Finland at the Järvenpää Cultural Hall and was hosted by Zahra Husseini and Abbas Rezaei.

The event brought together community members, local leaders, artists, and policymakers to celebrate Hazara culture while promoting inclusion, diversity, and civic participation in Finland.