Ben Hamilton
May 18th, 2022

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The War in Ukraine continues. Trump’s 2024 campaign is gathering pace. Finland and Sweden look set to join NATO. Putin’s hand hovers over the tap that supplies Russian gas to Denmark and countless other European countries. Johnny Depp can’t look ex-wife Amber Heard in the face … 

2022 has been anything but boring. A day rarely passes with yet another jaw-breaking piece of global news, but for internationals in Denmark who don’t speak the local language, tuning into the likes of CNN and Al Jazeera is their only way of feeling its throbbing pulse.

Well, an esteemed Danish NGO, Crossing Borders, is putting that right with two top drawer current affairs events in English coming to Copenhagen over the next week.

Ahead of the June 1 referendum on whether Denmark should discontinue one of its EU opt-outs and join the union’s Defense Pact, there’s never been a better time to get involved in the debate.

Particularly as they’ll be serving free food and beverages (with vegan options!) at both events.

Inspiring global activism
Crossing Borders is a highly respected non-profit, civil society organisation that educates and empowers young people to become active global citizens.

It recognises the importance of people in Denmark, particularly youngsters, learning from experts and decision-makers, so they can take inspiration, cross-fertilise ideas and form their own global associations, networks and communities worldwide.

Internationals might not be able to vote in the forthcoming referendum, but they are no less interested in what this vote could mean for Denmark, the country in which they live and work.

With support from Europa-Nævnet, Crossing Borders wants to facilitate a democratic dialogue to inform and educate internationals and Danes about the upcoming vote. 

The guest speaker experts will help spell out the advantages and disadvantages of Denmark joining the Defense Pact, and then afterwards the floor will be open to questions and opinions: your chance to become part of the debate.

Two esteemed speakers
Tomorrow, Thursday May 19, head down to Købmagergade 43 in the city centre to listen to Jørn Boye Nielsen, the founder and vice chair of RIKO Rådet, an independent Council for International Conflict Resolution. The event begins at 17:00.

RIKO Rådet provides information on mediation and peace-building in order to contribute to well-informed decision-making in Danish foreign policy, and Nielsen is a tireless advocate of providing long-term, non-military solutions for international conflicts. 

And then six days later, at Købmagergade 43 on Wednesday May 25 at 17:00, it will be the turn of Lisbeth Pilegaard to take centre stage. The former UN Global Compact global advisor has 25 years of leadership experience in Denmark and overseas. 

A committed democracy activist, she has forged a successful career using strategic thinking and negotiation to connect ideas and people.

Learn more at crossingborders.dk and sign up for the May 19 event here and the May 25 event here.