Diaspora In Action DEMAC Conference 2025

In moments like now, when headlines distort who our people are and a single incident threatens to overshadow the beauty, brilliance, and dignity of our community, gatherings like this become even more essential. If we don’t tell our own story, others will continue to tell it for us, often unfairly, and at our expense.

What I witnessed in that room was the Afghanistan the world rarely sees: world-class talent, integrity, and vision across technology, education, healthcare, arts and culture, migration, humanitarian response, and community development. The kind of excellence that never dominates the news cycle, but that truly defines us.

As global attention and funding for Afghanistan continue to shrink, it is vital that our diaspora comes together with intention. These days reaffirmed our collective power — our creativity, resilience, and unwavering commitment to our people.

Thank you to every organization and individual across the world who works tirelessly to serve Afghanistan, often quietly and without recognition. Your work is the backbone of our community’s hope.

And thank you DEMAC @danishrefugeecouncil for creating a thoughtful, grounded space for honest dialogue and collaboration.

What becomes possible when we stand together is far greater than anything a headline could ever reduce us to.

Ilaha Eli Omar, Executive Director
Uplift Afghanistan Fund