Speech by Goodwill Ambassador Maya Ghazal to the UNA-UK 'UN at 80' Conference

Good afternoon everyone,

It is truly an honour to be here today, in this historic hall, marking 80 years since the first United Nations General Assembly met in this very room.

This anniversary is not only about looking back at what was built in 1946, it is also about asking ourselves: what choices will we make now, and what kind of future will we build together?

And as we reflect on this milestone, it feels especially meaningful to remember that we are also approaching 75 years since the creation of the Refugee Convention, a promise made by the international community that people fleeing war and persecution will not be abandoned.

For me, this is not abstract history.

It is personal.

Every refugee has a story to tell. I was a refugee myself not too long ago.

When I left Syria in 2015, I was told that I would not have the opportunity to continue my studies and that my dreams would remain just that, dreams.

But today, I stand before you having worn many hats, as a professional pilot, an advocate and as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador.
And most importantly, I am living proof of what happens when refugees are given support, education and an opportunity.

Because the truth is this: refugees are not only people who have survived displacement.

Refugees are also people who continue to show the world what resilience looks like.

Today, we are living through a moment where refugee numbers are at record levels, humanitarian needs are growing and the global environment is becoming more difficult.

It’s a time when international cooperation is needed more than ever - so that refugees can find safety, protection and eventually solutions. International principles and standards, and the work of UNHCR and its partners, are more relevant and vital than ever in these turbulent times.

We must stay anchored in the truth: people forced to flee are not searching for advantage.

They are searching for safety.

And for the chance to live with dignity.

We are students who keep studying even when life becomes impossible.
We are mothers who protect and rebuild.

We are workers and entrepreneurs contributing to our communities.
We are leaders and decision-makers.

And we are young people who refuse to let displacement be the end of our story.

I know this because I have lived it. My journey as a refugee was filled with uncertainty, fear, and barriers at every turn. But, like many other refugees, I refused to accept that as a fact or as a reason not to try.

Thanks to the education, support, and opportunities that came my way, I stand before you today, proud to share my journey of becoming the first-ever refugee woman from Syria to become a professional pilot, a profession where women, let alone refugee women, are severely underrepresented.

I came to realize a powerful truth: give displaced people safety, an education, resources, and a platform, and they will do more than just survive. They will flourish.

I hope that all refugees and displaced people from Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Syria, Afghanistan, and beyond get the same opportunities and access that I was fortunate to have here in the UK, to continue their education, enter the job market, and have a support system in their communities so they can break the cycle of suffering and have a fair opportunity to thrive, not just survive.