Waqar Zafar

20/03/2026

Eid Mubarak to the muslim community of Finland!

May this blessed occasion bring peace to your hearts and warmth to your homes.

Wishing you joy, good health, and countless blessings.
عید مبارک!
Kind Regards,
Waqar Zafar
Deputy-Councilor
Western Uusimaa

25/12/2025

Merry Christmas to everyone celebrating around the world 🌎 🎄 🎅 🌟

May the joy of Christmas fill your hearts with peace, hope, and love. Wishing you and your families unity and happiness this Christmas season. 🎄✨

Kind Regards,

Waqar Zafar
Deputy-Councilor
Western Uusimaa County

20/12/2025

All Formanites in Finland! 🇫🇮

We’re excited to share that Forman Christian College University (FCCU) has officially launched its Alumni Finland Chapter! 🌍✨

If you’re a Formanite living in Finland and would like to join the chapter, connect with fellow alumni, and participate in upcoming reunion and networking events, we’d love to hear from you.

Please comment below or send a direct message to get in touch and become part of this growing community.

Advancement & Alumni Office The Office of University Advancement at FCCU serves as the outreach arm of the institution and works closely with alumni, government officials, community leaders, donors and the media. The Office oversees a wide range of responsibilities including, alumni relations, commu...

02/11/2025

It was an honor to join our Turkish friends of CHP Finlandia Association ry to celebrate the Independence day of Türkiye!

The historic day that stands as a symbol of freedom, unity, and the unwavering spirit of a proud nation. We remembered with deep respect the vision and legacy of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, whose leadership, courage, and progressive ideals laid the foundation of a modern, secular, and democratic Republic.

Special thanks to Öndar Yazan, Ćemil Duran, Hakan Durmus and members of CHP(SDP)-Türkiye in Finland for their willingness to collaborate with SDP-Finland.

01/11/2025

A historic decision was made during the Annual General Meeting of Espoon Sosialidemokraattinen Yhdistys (ESY ry) to change our name to SDP International Espoo.

This marks a big step towards inclusion and the political integration of immigrants within SDP. ✨

Congratulations to Rujla Sher Gill on being elected as our new Chair! 👏🏽🌹

Special thanks to Tipsu Bazouleva and Noora Kettunen for their support and contributions. ❤️

26/10/2025

I was truly humbled and honored to be invited as a guest for the prize distribution ceremony of Manoj Aryal Memorial Cup, organized by Mirmire Sporting Club in Espoo.

The event was a wonderful celebration of sportmanship, community spirit and unity among the Nepali immigrant community in Finland. It was inspiring to see how football continues to bring people together, fostering friendship and unity.

A heartfelt thanks to Mirmire Sporting Club for the warm invitation and excellent arrangements and to Shekhar Acharya SDP Councilor for his active participation and continued support for community initiatives.

Congratulations to all the teams and players for their enthusiasm and dedication that made the tournament a success.

19/10/2025

It was an honor to be invited by the United Indian Association of Finland to celebrate Onam.

Onam is primarily celebrated in the Indian state of Kerala and it is a beautiful festival that symbolizes joy, unity, and tradition. It was truly wonderful to experience that same spirit here in Finland.

Thank you, Unnikrishnan Sivadasan, Chairman of UIAF, for your kind invitation and your willingness to collaborate with SDP International. Your efforts toward the inclusion and integration of immigrants in Finland are deeply appreciated.

15/10/2025

📍 10 years ago…
I had just arrived in Finland
A new country, new culture, no Finnish skills, and absolutely no idea what to expect.

But I took a leap and ran for the student union elections at the University of Eastern Finland. With the support of an incredible campaign team, I was elected as a student representative in 2015. 🙌

It wasn’t easy but it was the beginning.

💼 Today...
I’m honored to serve as a Deputy Councilor in the Western Uusimaa Welfare County. The challenges haven’t disappeared, but now I face them with experience, confidence, and a mission:
To advocate for immigrants and contribute meaningfully to a more inclusive Finland. 🇫🇮

From student elections to local government, it’s been a journey of growth, resilience, and purpose. Here's to the next chapter. 💪

11/07/2025

With deep pride and sincere gratitude, I decided not to seek another term as the Founding Chair of SDP International.

What began as a vision to expand the Social Democratic Party’s reach within Finland’s international community has grown into a dynamic and inclusive Network. This achievement would not have been possible without the trust and support of Tuomas Timonen, Tipsu Bazouleva, and Saara Kuoppala, to whom I remain profoundly grateful.

On Saturday, May 17, the members of SDP International elected three Presidium members and four board members. This new leadership team embodies the diversity and strength of our international community.

Presidium:
🌹 Rujla Parvez Gill (Espoo)
🌹 Adel Rizvi (Helsinki)
🌹 Mikhail Borodin (Vantaa)

Board Members:
🌹 David Caceres (Helsinki)
🌹 Refka Elech (Vantaa)
🌹 Asad Mehmood (Helsinki)
🌹 Michael Bruce (Espoo)

I warmly congratulate all the elected members and wish them success in advancing the mission of SDP International. I am confident that under their leadership, the organization will continue to thrive and uphold our shared values.

Thank you all for the incredible journey and continued support!

10/07/2025

06/06/2025

Eid Mubarak to the Muslim community of Finland!

May this blessed occasion bring peace to your hearts and warmth to your homes.

Wishing you joy, good health, and countless blessings.
عید مبارک!