Inaugural Policy Summit Brings Australian Political Leaders Together to Support the Future of the Nineveh Plains

Canberra, ACT - Wednesday, 1 July 2026

The Assyrian National Council – Australia (ANCA), in partnership with its youth organisation, The Young Assyrians (TYA), proudly hosted the Policy Summit on the Future of the Nineveh Plains at Parliament House, Canberra, on Assyria Day, Wednesday, 1 July 2026.

The Summit brought together senior Australian political leaders, diplomats, academics, policy experts, civil society organisations, and community representatives in an unprecedented dialogue on the future of the Nineveh Plains and the preservation of the indigenous Assyrian people in their ancestral homeland.

The Summit was honoured by the attendance of the Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon. Anthony Albanese MP, who officially opened the event, together with Senator the Hon. Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs, and the Hon. Chris Bowen MP, Minister for Climate Change and Energy, who hosted the Summit at Parliament House.

Also participating were the Hon. Ted O'Brien MP, Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs representing the Leader of the Opposition, the Hon. Angus Taylor MP; Ms. Anne Stanley MP, Federal Member for Werriwa; Mr. Basem Abdo MP, Federal Member for Calwell; Ms. Dai Le MP, Federal Member for Fowler; Senator the Hon. Tony Sheldon; and Dr. Hugh McDermott MP, State Member for Prospect.

The Summit also welcomed distinguished members of the diplomatic corps, including His Excellency Dr. Hillel Newman, Ambassador of the State of Israel to Australia, and Mr. Amir Meron, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Israel, together with representatives of international organisations, community organisations, academia, policy institutes, civil society, students, young leaders, and guests who travelled from across Australia to participate in this historic event.

Master of Ceremonies, Ms. Melanie Alkhas, guided the evening's proceedings, which featured opening addresses from Australian political leaders and representatives of the Assyrian community, followed by a keynote address by internationally respected Assyrian lawyer Mr. Robert DeKelaita, a panel discussion comprising experts from academia and community organisations, and an interactive question-and-answer session.

The Summit formed part of a broader strategic initiative by the ANCA and TYA to strengthen policy engagement with Australian decision-makers and international stakeholders regarding the future of the Nineveh Plains.

The second session was chaired by Ms. Rozell Hammou , with distinguished panellists including Dr. Hugh McDermott MP, Dr. George Marano (Assyrian Business Council of Australia Inc.), Ms. June Ishtar Jako (Assyrian Aid Society – Australia Inc.), Mr. Dennis Suro (The Young Assyrians), and Ms. Robina Lajin (Etuti Institute).

The panel discussion focused on governance, security, constitutional pathways, economic development, cultural preservation, and practical strategies for strengthening the long-term future of the indigenous peoples of the Nineveh Plains. The panel concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session involving participants from government, academia, diplomacy, and the wider community.

Throughout the panel discussion, participants examined the historical significance of the Nineveh Plains as the ancestral homeland of the Assyrian people and considered the contemporary challenges facing indigenous communities, including security, demographic change, displacement, political representation, the protection of cultural heritage, and long-term stability.

A central theme of the Summit was the need for practical, constitutional, and democratic solutions that enable the indigenous peoples of the Nineveh Plains to live securely in their ancestral homeland while contributing to a peaceful, united, and pluralistic Iraq.

The Summit also highlighted the importance of preserving the Assyrian cultural identity, language, and heritage, while recognising the vital role of international cooperation in supporting the protection of indigenous peoples and the promotion of human rights and religious freedom.

One of the principal outcomes of the Summit was the presentation of the Canberra Declaration on the Future and Protection of the Nineveh Plains, a policy document that affirms shared principles supporting the security, dignity, cultural preservation, and meaningful participation of the indigenous peoples of the Nineveh Plains.

The Declaration calls for continued engagement between governments, policymakers, civil society, and affected communities to advance practical and sustainable outcomes consistent with constitutional governance, international human rights principles, and the long-term stability of Iraq.

Speaking on behalf of the ANCA, President Hermiz Shahen thanked the Australian Government, the Opposition, Members of Parliament, diplomats, keynote speakers, panel members, and all participants for their commitment to advancing meaningful dialogue on issues affecting one of the world's oldest surviving indigenous nations.

"The overwhelming support shown by Australia's political leaders demonstrates that the future of the Nineveh Plains is not simply an Assyrian issue," Mr. Shahen said.

"It is a matter of human rights, indigenous rights, religious freedom, and the preservation of one of humanity's oldest living civilisations. The Canberra Summit represents an important milestone in building stronger partnerships that can contribute to the long-term security, stability, and future of the Assyrian people in their ancestral homeland."

Mr. Bineil Misho, the Vice President of TYA, stated in his speech that the community currently faces challenges such as displacement, assimilation, and the potential loss of language and traditions.

However, he noted the existence of unprecedented opportunities and emphasised that individuals are now more connected than ever before, with access to education, technology, and global networks that previous generations could only have envisioned.

He further remarked that as Assyrian youth, their responsibility extends beyond merely inheriting their culture; it includes the imperative to revive, adapt, and share it with a global audience.

The ANCA Board of Directors extends its sincere appreciation to the Policy Summit Subcommittee, led by Mr. Bineil Misho, together with Mr. Dennis Suro for proposing the Summit, Mr. Ramsin Edward for coordinating its delivery, and the Association's President, Mr. Hermiz Shahen, for his leadership and support throughout the initiative.

The ANCA and TYA look forward to continuing constructive engagement with the Australian Government, parliamentarians, diplomats, international organisations, and civil society in advancing the objectives of the Canberra Declaration and promoting a secure, stable, and prosperous future for the indigenous peoples of the Nineveh Plains.

Media Attachment - The Canberra Declaration on the Future of the Nineveh Plains.pdf

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