ALF

From 18–20 June, a huge event took place in Tirana, Albania — 2025’s Mediterranean Capital of Culture and Dialogue — with over 800 participants, all coming together to mobilize dialogue as a tool for bridging gaps and peacebuilding, especially during this crazy time with all the world events we’re witnessing. Over 100 parallel sessions took place during this forum, with speakers and experts from about 43 countries, all believing in dialogue and interdependency, and making efforts in their local communities to see change, namely: co-existence, empowerment, and ultimately, peace.  With her reverent and powerful presence, Her Excellency Princess Rym Ali, President of the Anna Lindh Foundation, led the participants with her motivation and belief in dialogue and equality for all. She inspired participants to see that this event was not like any other, and that meaningful conversations, policies, and actions were its main objectives.  Crossing Borders, as the head of the Danish ALF Network, was also present, trusting in the Foundation’s mission and vision and actively taking part in it. As our continuous aim is to connect and empower people to become active citizens, we came together with other ALF networks from Luxembourg, Portugal, Estonia, and Lebanon to create a common framework of what a true path toward these aims could look like. This collaboration sparked the creation of the “Citizen Action Space,” which featured music, art, conversations, debates, and cultural exchange across more than five sessions under the same umbrella theme.  Crossing Borders’ session, “Words Across Borders” explored themes such as cultural exchange, climate action, interconnectedness, mutual understanding and solidarity, and effective communication. We began with a proverb exchange, highlighting how timeless wisdom transcends borders. Participants shared proverbs in their native languages, many of which reflected similar values across cultures. This simple yet profound activity sparked deep connections among people who had never met before.  Next, we moved into a dynamic group activity involving voice, movement, and gestures. Though fully improvised, participants managed to find a common rhythm, creating a beautiful and spontaneous harmony. It was a moving example of how collaboration and listening can transform individual expression into collective beauty.  The third station focused on climate action, emphasizing our shared responsibility as stewards of nature. Participants reflected on the urgent need to speak on behalf of the natural world which communicates through climate change and extreme events, and the importance of real behavioral change.  Finally, participants engaged with the “Domino Effect” wall, a creative space where they expressed their inner thoughts, frustrations, hopes, and calls to action. They also wrote messages addressed to those who couldn’t attend the forum, extending the impact of their reflections beyond the space.  This workshop would not have been possible without the support of the incredible co-hosting team, each bringing their unique expertise in law, psychology, arts, and communication:  Raquel Gioconda Ferreira (Luxembourg): Counselor and researcher in transpersonal psychology and cross-cultural communication  Claudine Zaarour (Lebanon): Legal researcher, founder of Unity Up, and PhD candidate in law  Kelli Eek (Estonia): Head of Communications at Mondo  Mona Soliman (Egypt): Co-founder and General Manager of Wasla for Arts  After the closure of ALForum 2025, on the 21st of June, a Heads of Networks meeting took place, bringing together the 43 country representatives to discuss key topics such as: evaluating ALForum’s takeaways, exploring new collaborations through the upcoming round of support under the Network Engagement Scheme (NES 2025–2026), and operationalizing the ALF Multi-Annual Work Programme 2025–2028.  It was such a unique experience for me, Margaret Hafez, to be the representative of the Danish network and the moderator of the session “Words Across Borders.” So many new connections, so much to reflect on, and a lot to act upon and pass on to my local community and to Crossing Borders.  Tirana was definitely the right place to hold such an event, with its hospitality, diversity, landscapes, and welcoming arms to differences, seeing them not as threats but as strengths. 

The Center for Kunst og Interkultur (CKI) is preparing for the next chapter of the SIRIUS4all project, taking place in Berlin, Germany in early May. Hosted by SABAA.education, this upcoming gathering will explore how sound and music can help shape a new, inclusive European narrative. Under the theme “The Sounds of Europe,” this edition of SIRIUS4all brings together partners and artists from Germany, Bulgaria, Italy, Portugal, and Denmark to collectively reflect on pressing questions: What is Europe? Who is it for? And how can the arts play a vital role as Europe reshapes itself for an evolving future? CKI representatives Anna and Niels will be joined by Copenhagen-based artists Ayaz Shah and Rebecca Langley, who will participate in discussions, share artistic perspectives, and engage in international networking. “We are excited to continue this journey with our European partners. Each meeting deepens the dialogue about belonging, identity, and the transformative power of art,” said Anna of CKI. SIRIUS4all is a European collaboration focused on cultural participation, inclusion, and redefining European identity through interdisciplinary artistic practices. To learn more about the project, visit www.sirius4all.eu and follow CKI on Instagram at @centerforkunstoginterkultur.  SIRIUS4all Partners: SABAA.education (Germany) A25 Cultural Foundation (Bulgaria) Luoghi Comuni (Italy) Mapa das Ideias (Portugal) CKI – Center for Kunst og Interkultur (Denmark)

Preparations are officially underway for Climate Justice Days 2025, set to take place from September 15th to 21st in Copenhagen. Hosted by Mellemfolkeligt Samvirke (Action Aid), the initiative aims to mobilize citizens through a week of community-driven events focused on climate action and social justice. As part of the lead-up, the organization held introductory meetings on April 22nd and will host another on May 7th at its headquarters on Fælledvej 12. The sessions, held both in-person and online, introduce participants to the goals of Climate Justice Days and explore opportunities for public involvement in event organization. Climate Justice Days is known for its wide-ranging grassroots events, from debates and concerts to community dinners and creative workshops, all aiming to highlight the intersection of climate change and social inequality. The initiative seeks not only to raise awareness but also to challenge the structural systems contributing to the climate crisis. The upcoming September program promises to reflect this diversity, offering Copenhageners a space to learn, connect, and act together in the fight for climate justice.   For more information about the initiative or to follow its development, the public can contact the organizing team at frivillig@ms.dk.   To become a volunteer, learn more here: https://fb.me/e/e7GZuh0fm Climate Justice Days 2025 FB Event: https://fb.me/e/5DKwe2lP9  

On April 30 we held our monthly Food for Thought event, where we were honored to host journalist, author, and lecturer Phillippa Maigaard Filtenborg. With warmth, and deep insight, Phillippa led us through an unforgettable conversation that explored identity, privilege, the media’s role in shaping perception, and the powerful intersection between personal and political narratives. Phillippa’s journey as a media professional is rich and layered. Holding a Master’s degree in Journalism and English from Roskilde University (RUC), she has navigated both Danish and Greenlandic media landscapes, bringing stories to light with clarity and compassion. Her career spans high-impact news reporting, live broadcasting, and strategic communication, but this evening, it was her human experience that captivated us most.  Born in Sri Lanka and adopted by a Danish family at just three months old, Phillippa shared openly about her multicultural background and how it continues to shape her understanding of belonging and identity. These themes echoed deeply in her reflections on living and reporting from Greenland.  In her recent book, På Hovedet I Snedriven, Phillippa peels back the layers of her time in Greenland. She reflected that the urge to write this book came from within,a need to process what went wrong and what went right during her time there. With honesty, she spoke about the complexities of reporting on Greenlandic people through the lens of Danish media, often criticized for portraying Greenlanders as not Danish enough. She emphasized how these narratives overlook the vastly different contexts in which people live, and the structural inequalities that shape those differences.  Phillippa acknowledged her own privilege as a Dane in Greenland, and the responsibility she carries as a storyteller. Her time as a live reporter for Danish National TV gave her a front-row seat to how media frames identity, and her mission now, as a journalist and author, is to challenge and change those frames with nuance and empathy.  One of the most poignant moments of the evening came when Phillippa shared her experience moderating former U.S. President Barack Obama’s presentation at Næstved Arena in 2024. Just three weeks prior, she had lost her adoptive father. It was an emotionally charged moment, and she recalled with visible emotion how the very first thing President Obama said to her backstage was, “I’m sorry for your loss.” That small act of empathy from one of the world’s most influential figures left a lasting impression on her, not just as a journalist, but as a human being navigating grief and responsibility at once.  The evening wrapped up with a flavorful vegetarian meal from Send Flere Krydderier, a social enterprise restaurant celebrated for its tasty Middle Eastern dishes and commitment to community. As guests gathered around the table, the conversations continued, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere that brought people closer together. 

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.