Participation of the Kurdistan Diaspora Women's Federation in the Norwegian Parliament

On Friday, March 21, 2025, at 11:00 AM—the first day of the Kurdish New Year 2725—Ms. Darya Qadir Khoshnaw, representing the Kurdistan Diaspora Women's Federation of Norway, participated in a historic Newroz celebration held in the Norwegian Parliament.

Newroz is not just a festive occasion but a significant national day for the Kurdish people. Over the years, Kurdish immigrants have brought the tradition of Newroz to Norway, where it has become an integral part of the multicultural landscape.

Notably, this year’s Newroz celebration was the first in Norway’s history to be held at such a high level within the Norwegian Parliament, alongside government officials and members of parliament. The event was organized by Mr. Parviz Salimi, with the support of the Norwegian Socialist Left Party.

The celebration aimed to promote core values such as peace, coexistence, mutual respect, and multiculturalism. It served as an opportunity to foster relationships among diverse communities and strengthen cultural ties.

Distinguished Speakers and Guests: The event featured speeches and congratulatory messages from prominent figures, including:

• Gjermund Baklien Skaar – Chairman of the International Committee of the Norwegian Socialist Left Party

• Marian Hussein – Vice President of the Norwegian Socialist Left Party

• Anne Berg – Secretary General of the Norwegian Red Cross

• Andreas Sjalg Unneland – Member of Parliament for the Socialist Left Party and member of the Justice Committee

• Bijan Karakhani – Chairman of the Multicultural Council of Buskerud Provincial Municipality

• Mahmoud Amiri – Human rights activist, professor of medicine, and neuroscientist at the University of Oslo

• Gunnar Ekeløve Slydal – Assistant Secretary General of the Norwegian Helsinki Committee

A significant number of Kurdish representatives from various countries also attended, including:

• Hon. Ismail Kamil – Former member of the Swedish Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee, lecturer at Stockholm University, and President of the Kurdistan Diaspora Confederation (Sweden)

• Fathi Al-Muderis – Advisor to the Kurdistan Regional Government (Kurdistan)

• Mani Hosseini – Labor Party Member of Parliament (Norway)

• Kochar Younis Sadiq – President of the Kurdistan-Sweden Friendship Association (Kurdistan)

Additionally, representatives from Middle Eastern nations that celebrate Newroz—such as Kurds, Azeris, Baluchs, Tajiks, Afghans, Iranians, Pakistanis, and Indians—were present.

During the celebration, Ms. Avan Salih delivered a presentation on the significance of Newroz for the Kurdish people. At one point, all attendees joined hands and danced in their places while singing the Newroz march, symbolizing unity and cultural heritage.

The event concluded at 1:30 PM, marking a momentous occasion in the history of Kurdish representation in Norway.

Kurdistan Diaspora Women's Federation of Norway

March 21, 2025