Reflections from the 35th Independence Day Celebration at Dushanbe National Stadium
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- Issue Time
- Sep 14,2026
Summary
PFM CEO Susan attended Tajikistan's 35th Independence Anniversary celebration at Dushanbe National Stadium, where some 35,000 citizens gathered in traditional attire. She shared reflections on architecture: the stadium has grown from a construction project into part of the city's life through cross-border collaboration. What endures is not construction difficulties, but the change it brings and moments people experience. A building matters most when truly used by the people.

Recently, PFM CEO Susan attended the celebration of the 35th anniversary of Tajikistan's independence, held at the Dushanbe National Stadium. After the event, she shared her reflections on the value of architecture.
On the day of the event, approximately 35,000 citizens gathered at the stadium. Many were dressed in traditional national attire, celebrating this significant moment together with music and dance. Watching tens of thousands of people come together in celebration, the stadium was no longer just a construction project — it had truly become part of the city's life.
On the day of the event, approximately 35,000 citizens gathered at the stadium. Many were dressed in traditional national attire, celebrating this significant moment together with music and dance. Watching tens of thousands of people come together in celebration, the stadium was no longer just a construction project — it had truly become part of the city's life.
Looking back on the project, from design development and construction to final commissioning, this was not only an engineering feat but also a cross-border collaboration. As one of the participating teams, PFM worked alongside partners from different countries and professional backgrounds, jointly driving the project to successful completion through the exchange and synergy of diverse cultures and working methods.
In years to come, the difficulties encountered during construction will fade from memory. What will remain is the change this building has brought to the city, and the important moments people have experienced within it.
From construction and commissioning to hosting large-scale public events, the stadium is gradually becoming part of the city. For PFM, this is perhaps the most meaningful stage of the project. A building's most important moment is not necessarily the day it is completed, but the day it truly comes into use by the people.