Mariam Veiszadeh to deliver the 2026 Kaldor Centre Oration

What does it really mean to be treated fairly? Who gets to feel they belong? And what does it take to be seen as an equal?

These are the questions at the heart of the 2026 Kaldor Centre Oration, Advance Australia fair?, to be delivered by lawyer, advocate and human rights leader Mariam Veiszadeh on 20 October at UNSW's Leighton Hall.

Drawing on her own journey from fleeing Afghanistan as a child to building a life in Australia, Veiszadeh will reflect on the promise of fairness that sits at the centre of Australia's national identity and examine how that promise is experienced in practice.

At a time when migration and social cohesion are the subjects of intense public debate, the Oration will explore what belonging really means, how opportunity is created, and what it takes for people rebuilding their lives in a new country to feel recognised as full and equal members of society.

‘Fairness. It's easy to say, much harder to practise,’ notes Veiszadeh. ‘What does it actually mean for someone rebuilding their life in this country? That's the question I'm putting to the room.’

In a keynote address followed by a conversation with journalist Nicole Abadee, Veiszadeh will bring together personal experience, professional insight and a hopeful vision for a more inclusive future.

‘I want to talk honestly about belonging and opportunity, and what it really takes to be seen as an equal,’ she says. ‘It's a chance to reflect on my own story and be honest about where we still fall short on fairness.’

The Kaldor Centre Oration is the Centre's flagship annual public event, bringing leading thinkers, advocates and practitioners together to discuss some of the most pressing issues shaping our society. The UNSW Centre for Ideas is co-presenting the event.

This year's Oration promises a timely and thought-provoking conversation about Australia's self-image as a country of fairness, and what is required to make that aspiration a reality for everyone.

The 2026 Kaldor Centre Oration, Advance Australia Fair?, will be delivered by Mariam Veiszadeh on 20 October 2026 at 6.30pm.

This event is free, but please register today as limited tickets are available.

Visit the Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law.