As attendees settled into the welcoming space, Project Coordinator Margaret and Creative Coordinator Tanya opened the Crossing Borders General Assembly with warm greetings. The room was filled with energy as participants introduced themselves, representing a rich tapestry of nationalities, professions, and connections to the CB community.
Dr. Phaedria took the stage alongside CB Director Garba Diallo to reflect on the highlights of 2024. Describing Crossing Borders as “the most diverse place in Denmark,” Dr. Phaedria emphasized the power of dialogue in the face of rising authoritarianism. Referencing dystopian literature like 1984 and The Handmaid’s Tale, she drew a compelling link between fiction and real-world threats, underscoring the urgent need for empowered communities and open dialogue.
Garba followed with a thought-provoking speech on global inequality, climate change, and the fractured nature of international allyship. He praised CB’s commitment to “walking the talk”—from local youth-led school workshops to global partnerships in Uganda, Armenia, and Egypt. Projects like Food for Thought and Youth for Ukraine illustrate the organization’s mission to foster storytelling, cultural exchange, and youth empowerment across borders.
The assembly then turned to updates on CB’s flagship initiatives. Project manager Mia Toftdahl, joined by facilitator Egle, presented the school workshops that engaged young people across Denmark with support from partners like Åbne Skole and Fredensborg Kommune. The YES project took Danish 8th graders to Ghana, sparking global awareness and cross-cultural learning. Tanya introduced Food for Thought, a storytelling platform that bridges communities through shared experiences. Margaret shared upcoming intercultural projects with the Anna Lindh Foundation, including a major 2025 event in Albania. Andrew presented the Migrantour Copenhagen, inviting participants to explore the city through migrant perspectives. Elisabeth followed with the Empowering Ukrainian Youth Project, supported by Egmont and SPARNORD, focused on integration, connection, and opportunity for displaced youth.
On the EU front, ten dynamic projects wrapped up in 2024, covering topics from sustainable food systems to digital citizenship, anti-racism, and inclusion. Programs like Edu4Food and Earth Heroes will continue into 2025, as CB expands its focus on education, creativity, and impact. Garba also shared insights from CB’s global programme, including sustainability projects in Zimbabwe and Morocco, women’s empowerment in India, and SDG localization in Uganda.
After a poetry and music interlude by Tina, he returned to present the 2024 financial report and the strategic priorities for 2025—emphasizing digital presence, funding, partnerships, and advocacy.
The assembly concluded with board elections. In a surprise twist, Lili Juul-Lou withdrew her candidacy, turning the vote into a formal procedure. The newly elected board members for 2025 are: Karen Blincoe, Richard Walakira, Ellen Eide, Idongesit Williams, Samay Hamed, Gustav Eik Thur, Kannan P. Samy (Substitute), and Helene Guldborg (Substitute).
Together, they will help steer Crossing Borders into another impactful year of fostering dialogue, diversity, and sustainable change—locally and globally.
Written by Shani Schmidt, Intern at Crossing Borders
