Assyria Day 2024 Conference: Charting a United Path Forward
SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES— The Assyrian National Council of Australia Inc. (ANCA) and The Young Assyrians (TYA) proudly announce the successful conclusion of the Assyria Day 2024 Conference. This significant event, held at Eden Venues, brought together distinguished speakers and community leaders who provided valuable insights on how to strengthen our community.
The event began with a heartfelt prayer by Rev. Fr. Ramen Youkhanis, prelate of the Assyrian Church of the East, setting a reflective tone for the afternoon's proceedings. Mr. Hermiz Shahen, President of the ANCA, and Ms. Breteil Tigris David, President of TYA, respectively, officially opened the conference, welcoming participants and highlighting the importance of unity and collaboration in addressing the issues confronting the community.
“We aim to inspire young people to participate actively in community service. Youth are vital to the development of societies. Our society is fortunate to have young men and young women with distinctive bright and innovative minds. It is our obligation, as an organisation, to provide opportunities for our youth to invest in their intellectual abilities and achieve their aspirations.”
“We must not forsake the Assyrian name. This name is the glue which binds us together even though we remain scattered in foreign lands. It must not become the element which fragments and isolates us. The Assyrian name is not oppositional— you are not Assyrian or. You are Assyrian and.”
In his opening remarks, the Hon. Stephen Kamper MP, Minister for Small Business, Lands and Property, Multiculturalism, and for Sport, emphasised the importance of preserving Assyrian heritage and the need for continued support for Indigenous Assyrians. Dr. Hugh McDermott MP, State Member for Prospect, and Mr. Ninos Haroon, representing the Hon. Chris Bowen MP, Minister for Climate Change and Energy of Australia, also addressed the audience, reiterating their commitment to supporting the Assyrian community.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Ron Susek, followed by Ms. Savina Dawood, President of the ETUTI Institute, and Mr. Johnson Ashak. Our esteemed speakers shared their perspectives and experiences, enriching the discourse on the Assyrian struggle for recognition and rights.
“We must come together; we must communicate, dialogue, and discuss; and find ways to collaborate with one another despite our differences and disagreements... We cannot afford to work individually and on our own. We must find our common goals that we agree on and focus on accomplishing these goals.”
“We must build a global network of Assyrian communities, fostering unity and collaboration. By sharing resources and supporting one another, we can amplify our preservation efforts. Create groups on LinkedIn and Facebook where members can share resources, ideas, and support.”
Their presentations underscored the need for a concerted effort to safeguard Assyrian culture, heritage, and rights in their Traditional Homelands. Their collective contributions highlighted the resilience of the Assyrian people and the vital role of international solidarity.
The ANCA and TYA acknowledge that this conference would not have been possible without the generous support of Eden Venues, whose sponsorship provided a fitting and welcoming environment for this important gathering. The Assyria Day 2024 Conference stands as a testament to the enduring spirit and unity of the Assyrian community.
As we look forward to future endeavours, we remain steadfast in our commitment to advocating for the rights and recognition of Indigenous Assyrians globally.
Esteemed guests of honour present at the conference:
Rev. Fr. Ramen Youkhanis, Assyrian Church of the East.
Mr. Hermiz Shahen, President of the Assyrian National Council of Australia.
Mr. David David, Vice President of the Assyrian National Council of Australia.
Ms. Suzy David, Partner and Founding Member of David Legal, and Senior Advisor to the Assyrian National Council of Australia.
The Hon. Stephen Kamper MP, Minister for Small Business, Minister for Lands and Property, Minister for Multiculturalism, and Minister for Sport.
Dr. Hugh McDermott MP, State Member for Prospect.
Ms. Charishma Kaliyanda MP, State Member for Liverpool.
Mr. Nathan Hagarty MP, State Member for Leppington.
Ms. Karen Bos, Vice President of Christian Faith and Freedom.
Ms. Michele Goldman, CEO of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies.
Mr. Jeremy Levy, representative of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies.
Mr. Joshua Kirsh, Ms. Tanna Klevansky, and Ms. Talia Horwitz, Representatives of Youth HEAR.
Mr. Michael Kolokosian, Executive Director of the Armenian National Committee of Australia.
Dr. Panayiotis Diamadis, Secretary of the Australian Hellenic Educational Progressive Association.
Assyrian-Australian organisations present at the conference:
Assyrian Australian Medical Association
Assyrian Aid Society of Australia
Assyrian Barwar Association
Assyrian Genocide Research Center (also known as the Seyfo Center)
Assyrian Language College
Assyrian Students' Association of Australia
Bartella Association
SBS Assyrian
