Hear me out:

My journey has been defined by resilience, hope, and a steadfast commitment to creating positive change. I was born in Afghanistan to a Hazara farming family, growing up in a region where Hazaras faced systemic persecution and inequality. From a young age, I learned the harsh realities of life in a society where equal opportunities were out of reach for my community. To support my family, I balanced work and studies, learning how to survive, make ends meet, and navigate an unjust system. These struggles shaped my understanding of justice, giving me the courage to question authority and stand up for what is right, not only for myself but for others as well.

In 2015, as life in Afghanistan became increasingly unsafe and challenging, I left the country in search of safety and better opportunities. The journey was long and filled with uncertainty, but I arrived in Finland believing that hard work and perseverance could build a better future. Finland gave me a chance to start over, and for that, I am forever grateful. Now, it’s my time to give back and contribute to positive change for the greater good.

Adjusting to life in Finland wasn’t easy. I faced language barriers, adapted to a new culture, and navigated racism and isolation. Instead of allowing these challenges to defeat me, I embraced them as opportunities to grow. My faith in God has been a guiding light, providing me with strength during dark times and helping me stay resilient in the face of adversity. It has been my foundation, empowering me to keep moving forward.

Over the years, I have dedicated myself to advocating for marginalized communities. In 2018, I was honored to be named Refugee Man of the Year by the Finnish Refugee Council for my advocacy work on behalf of refugees and asylum seekers. I also served as Chairman of We See You, an organization focused on improving asylum policies in Finland, and as Vice Chair of Amnesty International Finland. These experiences have deepened my belief in the importance of advocacy and in a political system that listens, understands, and collaborates with communities to create meaningful change.

It deeply hurts me to see people lining up at food banks, struggling to meet their basic needs. It pains me to watch many highly educated individuals leave Finland because they feel unsafe here. But I believe there is a solution: we must focus on what unites us—the shared home and future that we all care about. Together, we can build a society where no one is left behind.

In 2021, I ran for a seat in the Helsinki Municipal Elections, and I am proud to announce that I am running again in 2025. My political journey is not about deciding what is best for people—it’s about listening to the community, understanding their needs, and working together to create policies that truly make a difference. The people who live in our neighborhoods and face challenges every day should be at the center of every decision made.

My experiences abroad, particularly in the United States, have also shaped my political perspective. There, I saw firsthand the consequences of a system that does not prioritize the well-being of its people. I witnessed how the lack of strong social safety nets led to people struggling without the resources they needed to succeed. This experience reinforced my belief that the well-being of every individual must be at the heart of our policies here in Finland. We cannot allow our systems to fail the people they are meant to support.

Professionally, I have worked in various roles in social services, including as a Care Coordinator, Certified Peer Counsellor, and Family Rehabilitation Instructor. These roles have allowed me to work directly with individuals in need, providing support and guidance to help them rebuild their lives. Through my education in community pedagogy and social services, I continue to learn and grow, preparing myself to better serve our community and advocate for the changes that will benefit us all.

Currently, I am pursuing a degree in Community Pedagogy at the University of Applied Sciences HUMAK in Finland. This education will further enhance my ability to advocate for a system that works for the people, ensuring our social services remain inclusive, effective, and responsive to the needs of our diverse communities.

As a person, I am a multiculturalism expert, passionate leader, Muslim, husband, sports enthusiast, caring human, dreamer, visual learner, lover of birds and movies, an uncle, and a friend. I believe in the power of community and the importance of ensuring that every voice is heard. I am committed to ensuring that every person has the opportunity to thrive.

I invite you to join me in working together to make this future a reality.

My superpowers:

© Ahmad Hosseini 2025