Australian Diaspora Groups Assist in Peacebuilding

Melbourne, Australia – To commemorate the UN International Day of Peaceful Coexistence, a high-level dialogue convened in Melbourne on January 31, 2026, brought together a distinguished group of leaders – former Afghan government officials, academics, peace practitioners, faith-based leaders, and representatives of Afghan, African, Iranian, and interfaith communities – to explore the role of diaspora communities as agents of peacebuilding. They focused particularly on Australia as a land of opportunity, as well as responsibility and moral leadership.

Dr. Mujib Abid, an Afghan-Australian scholar and postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Melbourne’s Initiative for Peacebuilding, examined diaspora political agency and the importance of local voice in peace processes. He argued that sustainable peacebuilding requires authentic local agency, noting that local perspectives were frequently marginalized during periods of Western intervention in Afghanistan. The residual effects of a dominant liberal narrative that often failed to align promises with reality include skepticism toward externally driven peace models.

Dr. Abid emphasized the importance of counter-narratives as a form of non-violent resistance that restores political agency and challenges injustice. He highlighted the growing disconnect between private beliefs and public expression. Fear of social rejection, particularly when views challenge dominant narratives, undermines honest dialogue, he said. Without open, safe, and pluralistic spaces for conversation, peacebuilding efforts remain superficial and unresolved.

Mr. Masoom Stanekzai, a veteran Afghan peace negotiator and former senior government official, spoke on peace leadership within the Afghan community. Drawing on decades of experience in governance, security, and negotiation, he stressed that peace must be prioritized amid rising global conflict and a weakening international order. Mr. Stanekzai observed that universal values are under increasing pressure, and warned that a failure to balance ideals with contextual realities can lead to polarization and extremism. He highlighted Australia’s strengths in multiculturalism and rights-based governance, while also acknowledging gaps exposed by recent incidents of social tension.

As diaspora communities remain deeply connected to conflict-affected regions, he emphasized their responsibility to contribute to peace from Australia through dialogue, reflection, and collective leadership. Drawing inspiration from leaders such as Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, and Martin Luther King Jr., Mr. Stanekzai underscored that lasting peace is achieved through forgiveness, courage, and principled non-violence.

 Mr. Ahmed Tohow, deputy chair of the Global Somali Diaspora and peace practitioner, framed peacebuilding through Ubuntu, the African philosophy of interconnectedness: “I am because we are.” He described peacebuilding as a dynamic, relational social process, where individual wellbeing is inseparable from collective wellbeing. Peace, in this framework, involves just, humane, and life-affirming relationships grounded in social justice, equity, and compassion.

Addressing the Australian context, Mr. Tohow noted that negative media narratives around African youth crime have exacerbated tensions, even as young people seek belonging while preserving cultural identity. He concluded that peace is built collectively through human connection, justice, and shared responsibility.

Dr. John Bellavance, vice president of UPF-Australia, proposed the formation of an Australian Peace Council as a model to support and renew the United Nations’ founding ideals. He described Peace Councils as inclusive platforms that transcend national, political, and cultural interests to work for the wellbeing of humanity.

Peace Councils, he suggested, should integrate faith-based and secular moral values and draw on social, academic, cultural, and political perspectives. Central principles include: peace begins with the individual and family; dialogue aims to understand, not to win; and “us versus them” narratives must give way to a “common humanity” identity. Peace Councils would function as think tanks, dialogue platforms, and policy incubators, supporting peacebuilding at local, national, and global levels, he said.

Ms. Fereshteh Zamani reflected on the question, “How do we live our values?” She argued that while societies grow more complex, core human values remain shared across cultures. Peacebuilding begins with individuals living their values authentically within families and communities. She emphasized the need for diaspora communities to act as bridges rather than divisions, resisting the multiplication of conflict narratives. Highlighting her work translating and contextualizing the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, she advocated for combining spiritual awareness with ethical action.

Ms. Shukria Jalalzay, executive director of the Afghan Women Coordination and Promotion Organization, spoke on the realities of humanitarian work from exile. She acknowledged Australia’s $50 million contribution to Afghanistan, benefiting one million people, while also sharing the personal devastation she experienced following regime change. She described the emotional and practical challenges of working remotely, maintaining trust, accountability, and meaningful relationships. With one million Afghans unemployed and 22 million requiring food and medical aid, she stressed that resistance to oppression begins in the family and community.

Mr. Essan Dileri highlighted the role of local governments in peacebuilding. Peace, he argued, is built in neighborhoods, schools, parks, and community centers, with government Councils as essential allies in preventing conflict and strengthening belonging. Drawing on the Scanlon Foundation’s domains of social cohesion, he emphasized that migrant communities bring valuable energy, insight, and leadership. Peacebuilders, he concluded, contribute trusted relationships, cultural knowledge, and early warning of tensions, which institutions often lack.

This commemoration affirmed that diaspora communities are not passive observers of conflict but active partners in peacebuilding. Through dialogue, ethical leadership, lived values, and community engagement, diasporas can serve as bridges, linking cultures, restoring dignity, and contributing to a peaceful, inclusive world.

To conclude, UPF-Australia recognized Mr. Masoom Stanekzai and Dr. Mujib Abid with the Ambassador for Peace Award.

By Dr. John Bellavance, Vice President, UPF-Australia January 31, 2026