ALF

Representing ALF Danish Network at the Anna Lindh Foundation HoNs Meeting in Alexandria  From December 11-13, I had the privilege of attending the Anna Lindh Foundation (ALF) Heads of Network (HoNs) meeting in Alexandria, Egypt, as the representative of the ALF Danish network. It was an inspiring and productive gathering, bringing together partners from over 40 countries to discuss the future of intercultural dialogue and collaboration across the Euro-Mediterranean region.  One of the central topics of discussion was the highly anticipated ALF Forum 2025, set to take place in June in Tirana, Albania. This major event will serve as a platform for fostering exchange, strengthening partnerships, and advancing key initiatives within the ALF network.  I am excited to share that Crossing Borders will play a significant role in the forum through an insightful session “Words Across Borders: A Space for Connection and Reflection”, using art and the written word to encourage dialogue and collaboration.  Throughout the meeting in Alexandria, we explored various strategies, formats, and approaches to ensure the session’s success and impact.  It was truly a pleasure reconnecting with partners from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds, all committed to fostering mutual understanding and cooperation. The energy and dedication within the ALF network continue to inspire, and I look forward to contributing further to this important mission.  Stay tuned for more updates on the Crossing Borders session at ALF Forum 2025—exciting discussions and collaborations are on the horizon!  -Written by Maryam Alaouie

In 2025, CISU (Civilsamfund i Udvikling) will celebrate its 30th anniversary, marking three decades of significant contributions as a driving force for change through strong civil society organizations.  The anniversary celebrates past achievements, embraces future challenges, and underscores CISU’s commitment to strengthening civil society and fostering collaboration. Throughout 2025, member organizations and partners are invited to take part in the celebration. Activities include a special anniversary photo contest, where participants can showcase their work in a dedicated category, and the chance to contribute by sharing video greetings or stories of change that have defined the past three decades. A podcast series will explore CISU’s history, impact, and future direction, while a series of anniversary events will bring together stakeholders to honor and explore civil society’s vital contributions. Further details about these initiatives and how to participate can be found on the anniversary page.

The Heads of Networks Meeting of the Anna Lindh Foundation (ALF) was held at the organization’s headquarters in Alexandria, Egypt, bringing together 30 heads of civil society networks and representatives from across the Euro-Mediterranean region. Among the participants was Maryam Alaouie, representing the Anna Lindh Foundation Danish Network on behalf of Crossing Borders. The two-day event provided a valuable platform for reflection and planning, as participants reviewed the achievements of the current program phase and explored opportunities under the forthcoming Action Grant 7. Engaging workshops, open discussions, and vibrant idea exchanges also shaped the agenda, with a special focus on preparations for the upcoming ALF Forum.

On Thursday, 23 January 2025, Crossing Borders invites you to the first Food for Thought event of the year—an evening dedicated to storytelling, dialogue, and shared connections. Held at Ciello, Union, Nørre Allé 7, this event promises an inspiring blend of impactful narratives and delicious community dining. The evening will feature Trine Pertou Mach, a respected Danish politician and advocate for human rights, equality, and international relations. A member of the Folketinget for Enhedslisten – De Rød-Grønne, Trine brings a wealth of experience from her work with the European government, WWF, and the Danish Institute for Human Rights. Her storytelling session will explore her journey, her values, and her vision for a more equitable world. Following the storytelling, attendees will enjoy a vegetarian dinner prepared by Send Flere Krydderier, known for their ability to bring communities together through flavorful, culturally rich dishes.We will begin at 17:00 and conclude at 20:00. Book your Ticket

On Thursday, November 28th, Crossing Borders, the Danish network head of the Anna Lindh Foundation, hosted a panel event titled “Bridging Cultures: Intercultural Dialogue Panel & Anna Lindh Foundation Danish Network Gathering.” Led by Garba Diallo, founder and director of Crossing Borders, the event featured four distinguished panellists discussing the transformative power of dialogue in shaping attitudes and driving social change. The panel included Anna Maria Blicher Skanborg, Project Manager at CKI (Danish Centre for Arts and Interculture); Sarah Arnd Linder, Founder of PiP (Political is Personal); Agob Yacoub, Director of Syrian Doc Days and Finjan; and Morten Kjaerum, Former Director of the Danish Institute for Human Rights. In a room filled with diverse voices, the air hums with stories of resilience, connection and the struggle to find understanding. These are not just anecdotes—they are lifelines in a world increasingly fractured by fear and division. Dialogue, the simple yet profound act of listening and speaking, lies at the heart of these efforts. As Anna put it, “If we don’t have dialogue, we have nothing.” This truth resonates across borders and identities, echoing the lived experiences of Syrians, Danes, Palestinians and Israelis, all gathered to explore the power of connection. In this blog, we delve into their stories—stories that reveal how dialogue can heal, transform and ultimately bridge even the widest divides. The Fragile Thread of Connection Dialogue often feels precarious, especially in times of crisis. Yet, as speaker after speaker emphasised, it is an essential lifeline. “I’ve worked in human rights for over 40 years,” Morten shared, “and dialogue has always been the most powerful tool in my toolbox.” The panellists acknowledged the growing challenges to open communication, but their collective faith in dialogue as a vehicle for change remains unshaken. Agob, who came to Denmark from Syria over a decade ago, reflected on how dialogue became a cornerstone of his integration into Danish society. “When I first arrived, I didn’t speak Danish. I didn’t understand the politics, the culture or the system,” he said. “But once I learned the language, I realised I had a mission—to share the knowledge I had gained and to create connections.” Language, he noted, was not just a tool for understanding but also a means of challenging prejudices and finding common ground. Art as a Universal Language In a world often divided by words, art has emerged as a powerful alternative—a universal language that transcends cultural and linguistic barriers. Agob, who organises Syrian documentary film festivals in Denmark, shared how art can illuminate stories that are otherwise lost in the noise of political discourse. “Through film, we show what’s happening on the ground in Syria. It’s not just about the war—it’s about the people, their resilience, their humanity.” Anna highlighted the transformative power of theatre, particularly in intercultural contexts. She spoke about a project that brought together actors from numerous countries to perform Shakespeare in Denmark. “It was challenging. Some funders said it wasn’t ‘Danish enough,’ but the performance shattered those preconceptions. It created a shared space where people could connect beyond their differences.” Physical theatre workshops also played a significant role in fostering connection. “We start with movement and non-verbal communication,” Anna explained. “By the time words are introduced, participants already see each other differently—as humans first, not as categories.” Listening as an Act of Courage Central to dialogue is the courage to listen. “To truly listen,” one panellist observed, “you have to be willing to be changed by what you hear.” This requires setting aside preconceived notions and engaging with openness and humility. This courage is especially evident in contexts of deep conflict. Sarah, who has roots in both Israel and Denmark, shared her journey of building bridges between Israelis and Palestinians. “After 7th October, I felt fear rising in me—a fear of Palestinians I had never experienced before. But I knew I couldn’t let that fear take hold. I sought out Palestinians here in Denmark to talk to them, to see their humanity and share my own.” Sarah’s story underscores a profound truth: meeting those we fear or misunderstand can dissolve even the most entrenched divisions. “Dialogue is underrated,” she continued. “It’s not just a way to resolve conflict—it’s a way to prevent it.” The Role of Safe Spaces For dialogue to thrive, it needs a safe environment. This point was emphasised repeatedly during the discussion. “Creating controlled, safe spaces for dialogue is crucial,” one speaker noted. “It allows people to confront their fears in a setting where they feel secure.” These spaces are especially vital in intercultural and intergenerational dialogues, where power imbalances and historical grievances often complicate conversations. As Agob put it, “I don’t want to be tolerated—I want to be accepted.” His words reflect a universal desire for dignity, one that safe spaces can help nurture. Anna told the audience about how she designs workshops to foster such environments. “In applied theatre, the space becomes a stage where everyone is equal. It’s not about performance—it’s about connection. After two hours, participants feel like they’ve known each other forever.” Challenging Prejudice and Power Throughout the conversation, participants returned to the theme of power—how it shapes dialogue and how it can perpetuate prejudice. “We all have biases,” one panellist admitted. “But the more we categorise people, the easier it becomes to dehumanise them.” Morten, who has worked extensively in human rights, shared a powerful example: “When I was leading an EU agency, we conducted a groundbreaking survey on LGBTQ+ rights. Before releasing the findings, we invited religious leaders to discuss the results. I told them, ‘We don’t have to agree, but we do have to listen.’ What surprised everyone was how small the list of disagreements actually was.” This approach—agreeing to disagree—offers a model for dialogue in polarised contexts. By focusing on shared values rather than divisions, it’s possible to move beyond entrenched positions and find common ground. The Ripple Effect of Dialogue The impact of dialogue extends far beyond the individuals involved. It creates ripples that influence communities,

The ALF Hands-On Program, organized by the Anna Lindh Foundation, is a valuable opportunity for individuals and organizations committed to intercultural dialogue and social change. It’s designed to provide participants with the practical tools, resources and training needed to effectively engage in local, regional and international projects that promote peace, social justice and cultural understanding in the Mediterranean region. The program offers a blend of theoretical learning and practical experience. Through online training modules, participants gain insight into areas such as community development, intercultural cooperation, and human rights advocacy. These resources are tailored to equip those working in civil society organizations with the skills necessary to drive positive change in their communities, particularly in diverse, multicultural environments. A key focus of the ALF Hands-On program is building a network of activists, young leaders, and social entrepreneurs who are committed to transforming intercultural dialogue into tangible actions. By participating, you can contribute to a growing movement dedicated to fostering mutual understanding and combating stereotypes, while also gaining exposure to a wide range of practices and approaches from fellow participants across the Euro-Mediterranean region. The training modules not only cover practical techniques for intercultural dialogue, but also explore leadership, communication strategies, and the challenges of navigating multicultural societies. This makes the program particularly relevant for those interested in building sustainable peace, addressing social issues, and improving community cohesion across diverse cultures. Learn More

The ACCT Anti-Racism and Civic Courage Training Conference, “Community Responses to Breaking Down Structures,” held on October 25th at Union, brought together over 80 participants from civil society organizations, artists, and activists for an inspiring evening dedicated to dismantling racist systems.  The event featured compelling keynote speeches by Garba Diallo (Crossing Borders) on “Diversity as Anti-Racism in Practice” and Shayi Addean (Another Life) on “Intersectional Approaches to Social Sustainability,” along with engaging panel discussions on topics like cultural resilience and grassroots anti-racist movements. Creative performances, including Suzanne Potempa’s belly dance, Wanjiku Victoria Seest’s theatrical piece Blinkered, and Fire Raka’s powerful rap, energized the audience and underscored the role of art in deconstructing racism.  The conference celebrated the achievements of the ACCT project, fostered collaboration among its eight member organizations, and reinforced a shared commitment to challenging oppressive systems while inspiring action towards a more equitable future.

Crossing Borders participated in the sixth regional Anna Lindh Foundation forum, entitled “Celebrating Our Diversity,” which was held in Gothenburg, Sweden, from October 16–18.  The forum brought together practitioners engaged in intercultural dialogue. The event, hosted by the National Museums of World Culture, sought to advance the concept of “Living Together” through discussions, networking, and collaborative learning. Notable moments included open mic sessions, during which attendees presented impactful community projects, thereby demonstrating creativity and civic spirit in addressing social issues.  Margaret Maged, who presented Crossing Borders, introduced the Antiracism and Civic Courage Training (ACCT) project and shared her personal journey from Denmark, emphasizing her mission to combat racism and empower students. Over 50 participants from NGOs, academia, and civil organizations engaged in networking, cultural visits, and cross-border partnerships.

From September 21st to 22nd, Peace Camp 2024 brought together a group of young leaders, artists, and activists on Youth Island (Ungdomsøen), Denmark. The event was characterised by a transformative experience of dialogue and peace. It was co-created by Crossing Borders, City Transformers, Transition World, SINE Network, The Hague Centre, AIESEC, and UN Youth. Its objective was to foster intercultural understanding through a comprehensive and inclusive program.The program comprised a variety of activities, including workshops, reflective group discussions, cultural expressions, and meditation, which collectively represented a multi-faceted approach to the concept of peace. A significant outcome was the Declaration for Peace, which was collectively devised by the participating young people through open discussions and reflective sessions. This declaration was subsequently presented at the Future Summit in New York. The program included the following highlights: participants were given the opportunity to explore the cultural traditions of Karelian-inspired laments and to engage in meditation sessions, which were designed to facilitate deeper reflection on the concept of peace. Artistic expression proved an effective means of fostering connection and understanding.A sunset ceremony provided an opportunity for a distinctive narrative experience, with themes of unity and resilience forming a central part of the discourse. Globally, participants engaged in the Unite 4 Peace session, connected through a co-created Hymn of Peace, and concluded the day with an Ecstatic Dance Party, celebrating their shared commitment.