The Massoud Foundation Australia, in partnership with the Humanitarian and Development Research Initiative (HADRI) at Western Sydney University, was honoured to host “Twenty-Five Years After Massoud: Resistance for Freedom” on Saturday evening, 12 September 2026.
The commemorative forum brought together community leaders, academics, politicians, young people, advocates, diaspora representatives and friends of Afghanistan to reflect on the legacy of Ahmad Shah Massoud and discuss freedom, human rights, justice, resilience and the future of Afghanistan. The forum also commemorated the 15th anniversary of the martyrdom of Prof. Burhanuddin Rabbani, former President of Afghanistan and a respected advocate for peace and national unity, while paying tribute to him and to all Afghanistan citizens who stood against communism and terrorism and sacrificed their lives for Afghanistan’s freedom, dignity, independence and peaceful future.
The program included a recitation of the Holy Quran, welcome remarks, a special video featuring Ahmad Shah Massoud, keynote and guest addresses, and a thought-provoking panel discussion exploring:
• Australia and Afghanistan — looking back and looking forward
• Five years of Taliban rule — women, rights and agency
• Young people, displacement and the Afghan diaspora
• Australia’s responsibilities towards Afghanistan and its people
We were honoured to welcome:
The Hon. Julian Hill MP, Assistant Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs and Assistant Minister for International Education
The Hon. Mark Coure MP, NSW Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism and South-Western Sydney
Amb. Ahmad Wali Massoud, former Ambassador of Afghanistan to the United Kingdom and Founder and Chairperson of the Massoud Foundation of Afghanistan
Amb. Mahmoud Saikal, Adjunct Professor at the University of Canberra and former Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Afghanistan to the United Nations
The panel was chaired by Professor Nichole Georgeou, Professor of Humanitarian and Development Studies at Western Sydney University and Founder and Co-Director of HADRI, with distinguished panelists Professor William Maley, Shahrnaz Rafi and Ella Ahmadi.
A particularly meaningful part of the evening was the recognition and presentation of awards to community activists, supporters, Australian friends and those who have contributed to Afghan community engagement and the commemoration of Massoud and the Afghan martyrs over the years.
The evening also featured a moving cultural performance by the Massoud Foundation Australia Youth Group; whose families have experienced displacement, conflict and loss, and who today continue to contribute to Australian society through their studies, work and community service.
The program concluded with a vote of thanks and closing remarks by A/Pror. Faisal Amin, former Vice Chancellor of Kabul University and currently undertaking PhD research at Macquarie University.
Our deepest thanks to all our distinguished speakers, panellists, guests and participants for sharing their knowledge, experiences and reflections.
A very special thank you to our generous sponsors and supporters:
Your support helped make this important community gathering possible.
We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Massoud Foundation Australia working group and all volunteers whose time, dedication and teamwork made the event possible.
Most importantly, thank you to the community members and all friends of Afghanistan who continue to stand for freedom, dignity, justice, human rights and a peaceful future for Afghanistan.
Twenty-five years after Massoud, his message of resistance for freedom continues to inspire generations.
