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By Soni Khanal, Crossing Borders Team Member from Nepal Every year, the South African Embassy in Denmark and Crossing Borders come together to celebrate Nelson Mandela International Day, honouring Mandela’s enduring values of justice, equality, dignity and compassion. Ahead of this year’s Mandela Day on 18 July, we gathered at Kollegiet on Gl. Køge Landevej in Valby, a place that provides temporary housing, support and a sense of community for adults going through challenging periods in their lives. It was a meaningful setting to celebrate Mandela’s legacy through one of the values he championed most: serving others. Together, colleagues from the South African Embassy and Crossing Borders prepared and served food and drinks for around 100 Kollegiet residents. Music filled the space as people from different backgrounds came together to share a meal, conversations and moments of connection. It was a simple but powerful reminder that building community often begins with small acts of kindness. During the celebration, a representative from the South African Embassy, speaking on behalf of the Ambassador, reminded us that Mandela Day is not only about remembering Mandela’s achievements. It is about carrying his values forward through service, kindness and responsibility towards others. Garba Diallo, Founding Director of Crossing Borders, reflected on how inequality often grows when power and privilege are placed above human dignity. His message echoed one of Mandela’s most enduring lessons: creating a more just world requires all of us to take responsibility, however small our contribution may seem. A member of the Kollegiet staff spoke proudly about seeing residents regain confidence, find stability and take positive steps forward in their lives, reminding us that meaningful change rarely happens through grand gestures alone. More often, it grows through everyday acts of care, patience and respect. Throughout the afternoon, Mandela’s message of Ubuntu—the understanding that our humanity is connected through one another—came to life. Embassy staff, the Crossing Borders team, Kollegiet staff and residents shared food, stories and laughter, creating a welcoming atmosphere where everyone felt included. The celebration concluded with everyone gathering to share a birthday cake in honour of Nelson Mandela. It was a joyful moment that celebrated not only his life but also the values that continue to inspire people around the world. Mandela Day encourages people everywhere to dedicate 67 minutes of their time to making a difference, symbolising the 67 years Mandela devoted to public service. But each of us can go far beyond those few minutes: whether through volunteering, listening, sharing a meal or standing up against injustice, we can strengthen our communities through simple acts of compassion. As this year’s celebration reminded us, lasting change often begins with something as simple as coming together.

Written by Sabbir Ahmed Khan, Volunteer at Crossing Borders  At the latest edition of Food for Thought gathering, organized by Crossing Borders (CB), the room was graced by a woman who has built her life on standing up to injustice and inspiring others to do the same: Vibe Klarup, Secretary General of Amnesty International Denmark. As someone who has spent decades defending democracy and human rights, Vibe has been a close observer of the alarming global decline in both. Her participation sparked a lively, heartfelt discussion on how today’s young generation can take the lead in building a more just and humane world, even as authoritarianism spreads across continents. A Dinner That Feeds Both Mind and Soul Food for Thought is not your typical dinner event. Under the thoughtful moderation of Garba Diallo, Director of Crossing Borders, this unique platform brings together both Danish and internationals from all walks of life, living in Denmark for storytelling, reflection, and shared stories and meals. This time, Vibe Klarup’s storytelling session, followed by an open Q&A and a community dinner, reminded everyone that a dinner table can be more than a place to eat; it can be a place where empathy grows, ideas flourish, and courage takes root. From Silence to Speaking Up Vibe shared a deeply personal story from her teenage years. When she was just sixteen, a priest declared that AIDS was a divine curse because of homosexuality. She was outraged but too young and shocked to respond. That painful moment, however, changed her forever. She vowed never again to remain silent in the face of injustice. Over time, her family’s dining table became her first stage, a place where she learned to “speak up” for truth and fairness. Even if her words made some people uncomfortable, there were always others who stood with her, especially her father. That became the foundation of her lifelong activism. The Global Decline of Democracy and Rights Today, Vibe watches with deep concern as democracy and human rights erode worldwide. According to Amnesty International’s 2024 global report, authoritarian practices and crackdowns on dissent have continued to expand, from mass surveillance and restrictions on protest to the criminalization of critics. Early in 2025, one of the world’s most powerful democracies, the United States, made global headlines for detaining Mahmud Khalili, a student activist and U.S. Green Card holder, for three months simply for speaking out for the rights of Palestinians in Gaza. Deportation proceedings against him were widely condemned as an assault on free speech in America. Meanwhile, across Europe, peaceful protesters face growing surveillance and facial recognition monitoring, while immigrant and Muslim communities are disproportionately targeted. As Vibe pointed out, when nations that claim to champion democracy begin undermining their own values, it sends a dangerous signal that “human rights risk becoming human wrongs.” The New Enemy: Hate Speech Another modern threat to democracy, Vibe noted, is hate speech: communication that attacks or discriminates against people for who they are. Hate speech doesn’t just harm individuals; it attacks freedom of expression itself. Those who are targeted, especially women, LGBTQ+ activists, journalists, and minorities, often self-censor out of fear. The result is a public sphere that grows quieter, narrower, and less diverse; the very opposite of what democracy needs to thrive. The Power of Speaking Up Yet Vibe’s message was ultimately one of hope and action. Her advice was simple but powerful: “Keep speaking up. Keep protesting. Keep showing up.” She reminded everyone that the culture of fear spreading across societies is designed to make people give up and to stop believing that their voice matters. But courage, she said, is like a seed: it needs to be planted, nurtured, and shared. True change doesn’t happen overnight, and no lasting progress is possible without persistence. Whether through public demonstrations, storytelling, social media engagement, or even a simple online petition, every act of protest counts. Food for Thought and for the Future As the evening drew to a close, participants left not just with full stomachs, but with new ideas, renewed courage, and inspiration. For some, the event may well have planted the seed to become the next generation of human-rights defenders. And that, perhaps, is the true essence of Food for Thought: proving that even around a shared table, one can take the first step toward a fairer, freer, and more humane world.

Written by Sabbir Ahmed Khan, Volunteer at Crossing Borders On a crisp autumn evening in Copenhagen, while the city buzzed outside with its usual twilight rush, Crossing Borders meeting room transformed into a miniature world stage. The occasion was the latest edition of Food for Thought, where a participants gathered around the dining dialogue table. Over appetizers, they exchanged stories and introduced themselves, their names, their nationalities and their work. This global spirit was reflected in the diverse gathering itself. Attendees came from across Denmark, Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas. The special guest for the Food for Thought was Simon C. Mears, Honorary Consul and Head of Mission for the United Republic of Tanzania in Denmark. Though not a career diplomat, Simon has built a fascinatingly career in multiple sectors of business, diplomacy and grassroots. He serves as Director of the Mears Group, one of the UK’s largest housing and social care providers and chairs the British Chamber of Commerce in Denmark. Born in Tanzania, he spent much of his youth in Botswana and later Kenya before moving to the UK at the age of 28. In 2011, he relocated to Denmark, married a Danish woman, and has since made the country his home. The Tanzanian Consulate in Denmark is the fruit of his persistent efforts to strengthen ties between the two nations. As the event unfolded, Simon’s engaging storytelling drew participants into a wide-ranging conversation about Tanzania — its cultural identity, business environment, policies, challenges, and opportunities that come with immigration.Cultural barriers, as Simon noted, often stand in the way of deeper international cooperation. Although Denmark and Tanzania share one of Africa’s oldest diplomatic ties — Denmark being the first Scandinavian country to establish diplomatic relations with Tanzania — limited cultural understanding has prevented the relationship from reaching its full potential. Simon has made it his mission to bring Tanzanian culture into Danish society, bridging those gaps between the nations with patience and persistence. As Simon also let the audience know, Tanzania today is one of East Africa’s fastest-growing economies. Each year, thousands of tourists visit to natural beauty of the country including Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest peak and the island of Zanzibar, as well as the cultural and natural wealth. Once perceived as among Africa’s poor nations, Tanzania has now emerged as a fast developing and self-sufficient in food-secure country, producing tea, coffee, and grains, and is also blessed with rich deposits of gold, diamonds, and the rare gemstone tanzanite.But no country is without its struggles. A painful memory still lingers Tanzania from 1998, when a terrorist attack on the U.S. Embassy in Dar es Salaam put Tanzania in the negative global spotlight. While Tanzanians are historically known for their friendly behavior, warmth and hospitality, the incident cast a long-lasting shadow on the nation’s image. Today, however, Tanzania is mostly free of such turmoil and is moving steadily forward under its first female Muslim President, who is fostering a more open and tolerant society there. Even so, Simon reflected with some frustration, investors remain hesitant. he observed. Despite progress in god governance and development, many outsiders still see Tanzania through an outdated lens of poverty and the latest edition of terrorism. Actually, perception matters. In truth, reality stands in stark contrast to perception there. Albeit, corruption remains a challenge, and some human rights indicators show room for improvement, but change is remarkably underway. For Simon, the task is clear: the world’s negative stereotypes must be challenged. Just as corporations brand their products, countries too must brand themselves — showcasing their culture, strengths, and progress to the world. Only then will public perception shift toward the reality of Tanzania’s potential. As the evening drew to a close, the audience — students, professionals, development workers, and young people preparing for their careers — joined a warm and delightful dinner. The meal became a spontaneous platform for exchanging ideas about the how to challenge deep-rooted, negative perceptions with events like Food for Thought for mutual learning, building networks and sparking new inspiration.The conversation left many reflecting deeply on the gap between perception and reality in the story of Tanzania — and, by extension, Africa itself. For those present, the evening was not just about storytelling, food and dialogue, but about reimagining possibilities. A million thank you to Simon for sharing his unique story in a deep, broad and generous manner.

On August 21st, Crossing Borders had the privilege of hosting another powerful Food for Thought dinner, this time with guest speaker Michelle Pace. A storyteller at heart and a professor at Roskilde University, Michelle traced her life’s journey with candor and courage, reminding us all that truth is always worth the fight. Michelle began by reflecting on her childhood in Malta, where her grandfather’s socialist, anti-colonial beliefs planted in her an early awareness of social justice. Growing up during a period of decolonisation, she developed an inquisitive spirit and a deep commitment to understanding the world as a global citizen. “Once you open up to humanity,” she reminded us, “humanity opens back up to you.” Her path eventually led her to Palestine, where she witnessed firsthand the resilience of its people. She recalled women still wearing the house keys from before the Nakba around their necks, a symbol of their unbroken connection to their land. These stories, she explained, inspired her to write, teach, and speak out, because history is not just to be read but to be listened to and lived through the voices of those who endure it. Throughout the evening, Michelle emphasized that Palestine is not a distant issue—it is a European issue, shaped by Europe’s colonial legacy and perpetuated by its institutions. She spoke openly about the pressures she has faced as an educator, from attempts to censor her lectures on Palestine to demands that she reveal the names of students participating in pro-Palestine demonstrations. Despite these repressive mechanisms, she insisted on the role of education as a light, a place where questioning authority and telling the truth must remain central. Her words resonated deeply with the full house of more than 40 participants. The conversation stretched late into the evening, as attendees engaged with Michelle and with one another in a spirit of thoughtful dialogue. Questions and reflections flowed freely, and Michelle responded with warmth and conviction, never shying away from difficult truths. As people slowly made their way home, the atmosphere remained charged with courage and solidarity. Michelle’s story was not only a call to speak up for Palestine but also a reminder of the broader struggle against colonialism in all its forms. To listen, to tell stories, to resist censorship, and to unite against oppression. The evening closed with a powerful takeaway: truth is always worth living for, and always worth fighting for.

By Andrew Gibbons  This month, in honor of Mandela Day, Crossing Borders gathered a passionate group of young people committed to fighting food waste and building community.  Our journey started with a big task: collecting and sorting over 20 kilos of surplus food; everything from fruit and vegetables to pastries and bread. Thanks to our friends at Madboks, a local food rescue initiative, we had access to a generous supply of rescued food that would have otherwise gone to waste.  Back at the office, we got to work. With the ingredients spread out, we brainstormed recipes, swapped ideas, and discussed practical ways to reduce waste in the kitchen. Could we freeze the bread and pastries? Use the broccoli stalks instead of tossing them? Cut out the green bits of potatoes and compost what couldn’t be saved? Yes, yes, and yes. Nothing was taken for granted.  Then came Mandela Day itself. Over 11 young volunteers from more than 7 countries joined us for an inspiring and hands-on session. We shared stories about the Edu4Food project and the work of Madboks, then split into cooking groups to bring our meal to life:  Potato and Leek Soup  Summer Salad  Roasted Veggies  Cut Fruit  Bread & Pastries  But for us, cooking wasn’t the only goal. Sharing was of equal import. So, we packed everything up, loaded cargo bikes, and made our way to Blågårds Plads, where we served food to anyone who wanted a plate. Some of our volunteers stood on the square talking to those passing by, inviting them to join. The turnout was beautiful. We shared food with over 50 community members from all walks of life, plus our volunteers. Just as we hoped: a plate for anyone who wants one.  This day wasn’t just about food waste or new recipes. It was about joy, connection, and justice. It was about building something bigger than ourselves: one meal, one conversation, one act of care at a time. True to Mandela’s vision, we laughed, danced to South African music, and proved that a simple meal can be a powerful act of peace.  This event was part of the Edu4Food project, co-funded by the European Union, which aims to empower youth through environmental education and community action. For more information, check out our website, and our social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok.  

Last week, we had the opportunity to attend an inspiring event with Henriette Laursen, Director of KVINFO – Denmark’s leading knowledge centre for gender, equality, and diversity. It was truly a “food for thought” moment, filled with honest reflections, powerful insights, and personal stories that sparked meaningful conversations about leadership, equality, and the kind of society we want to build. The audience brought together perspectives from around the world – including Brazil, Denmark, India, Peru, Kenya, Tanzania, Ukraine, the USA, Japan, and Ghana. Henriette took us through her remarkable journey – not only as a professional, but also as a mother, a lawyer, and a woman navigating leadership roles across various sectors. Her career path is both impressive and deeply meaningful. She studied law at Aarhus University from 1987 to 1993 and then worked as a lawyer until 1998. That same year, she became CEO of the AIDS Foundation (AIDS-Fondet), where she dedicated herself to supporting those most vulnerable to HIV/AIDS and ensuring their voices were heard in shaping prevention and treatment strategies. From 2005 to 2007, she served as an international adviser for Danida in Vietnam – a role that added a valuable global perspective to her work. She returned to lead the AIDS Foundation once more until 2014, before taking on the role of Secretary General of DUF – The Danish Youth Council, where she championed stronger youth engagement in democracy and civil society. Since 2017, Henriette has been at the helm of KVINFO, advancing vital conversations and initiatives around gender equality, diversity, and inclusion in Denmark. What stood out most during her talk were the deeply personal reflections. Henriette spoke candidly about the ongoing challenge of balancing a demanding career with family life. She highlighted the importance of intersectionality in feminism – acknowledging that true equality must include diverse perspectives and lived experiences. She reminded us that the journey towards equality isn’t a one-time effort, but a continuous process of learning, listening, and engaging. Her words were a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t just about titles or long CVs. It’s about having a clear vision, showing compassion, and the courage to stand up for what truly matters – even when it’s difficult. We left the event inspired, thoughtful, and energised – reminded of the power each of us holds to help shape a more equal and inclusive world. Written by: Naoka Omori, Intern at Crossing Borders

Written by Giovanna Saturni On Thursday, May 20th, Crossing Borders hosted a dynamic and thought-provoking and youth-focused webinar exploring some of Denmark’s promising food sustainability initiatives. The event was held as part of the Edu4Food project, an initiative aimed at fostering innovation, collaboration, and education around sustainable food systems across the continent.  Bringing together a diverse group of speakers, practitioners, and engaged participants, the webinar unfolded over the course of a full afternoon. The event was structured into three thematic, hour-long sessions, each showcasing different aspects of Denmark’s Farm to Fork sector.  The goal of the webinar was to provide a platform for dialogue and knowledge-sharing around innovative, community-driven approaches to food and sustainability. Each session opened with an introduction to the Edu4Food project, outlining its objectives and relevant outputs, before moving on to presentations from guest speakers whose work focuses on sustainable practices in action.  Farm to Fork Innovation  Participants were introduced to seven different initiatives, each tackling food sustainability from a different perspective. The speakers each gave an engaging, comprehensive presentation on their work.   Among them was Emil Kleis Boll, on behalf of Matr, a Danish company focused on plant-based food innovation through the art of fungi fermentation. Matr’s mission is to develop flavorful, nutrient-rich vegan products that offer a sustainable alternative to traditional animal-based foods. Their approach focuses on minimizing the ecological footprint of food production while maintaining culinary quality.  Another standout presentation came from Anne Stald Møllmann, who discussed her work at Havhøst, a marine agriculture organization devoted to regenerative aquaculture. By cultivating seaweed and shellfish, Havhøst not only contributes to cleaner ocean ecosystems but also promotes scalable models for sea-based food systems that work with nature rather than against it.  For the second session, the fight against food waste was taken up by Madboks, a local Copenhagen-based initiative that has developed a hands-on system for collecting, sorting, and redistributing surplus food. The speakers, Pauline Blondet & Wasiem von Heydebrand, discussed how their work bridges environmental activism with social impact, ensuring that edible food does not end up in landfills but instead reaches those in need, and welcomed interested participants to reach out and get involved in their processes.   The webinar also spotlighted Byaasgaard Naturecamping and Micro-farm, which integrates organic agriculture with eco-tourism to educate visitors about regenerative land use.   Meanwhile, the third session focused on educational opportunities in the sustainable food area. Sault Avery, from SolRa, an organization focused on agroforestry, shared insights into how regenerative land practices can serve as powerful educational tools to inspire future generations of farmers and environmental stewards.   Regeneration as a Common Thread  While each speaker brought their own unique perspective, an overarching theme quickly emerged over the course of the afternoon: regeneration. Whether discussing land, sea, or community, the concept of restoring rather than depleting resources became a central pillar across the sessions.  Speakers emphasized the urgent need to transition from exploitative models of food production to regenerative ones that not only sustain but actively revive ecosystems. This narrative echoed the broader goals of the Edu4Food project, which aims to foster local innovation in food systems while equipping youth with the tools to create systemic change.  Platform for Dialogue and Engagement  With around 30 attendees, the webinar struck a balance between intimacy and impact. Each session concluded with a dedicated Q&A session, sparking engaging exchanges between participants and speakers. These discussions were moderated by Crossing Borders’ Andrew Gibbons, the project coordinator for Edu4Food, whose facilitation helped connect thematic dots across sessions.  Notably, the second session focused on initiatives with volunteer engagement opportunities, highlighting the crucial role of citizen participation in driving sustainable change. The third and final session delved into education as a catalyst for long-term transformation in food systems.  Cultivating a Sustainable Future  The Edu4Food webinar succeeded not only in showcasing Denmark’s sustainability initiatives but also in reinforcing the idea that food systems transformation requires collective effort. From grassroots innovation, innovative sustainable business models to advocacy, the presentations revealed the multifaceted nature of sustainability, and the many pathways towards it.  In a world increasingly defined by environmental urgency, the initiatives featured in the webinar offer hopeful points of reference for how we might feed ourselves without feeding the climate crisis. By championing regeneration, education, and community involvement, they remind us that the journey from farm to fork can also be a journey toward ecological renewal.  As the Edu4Food project continues to unfold, events like this serve as opportunities for reflection, collaboration, and action, reminding us that the future of food is not only about what we eat, but how, where, and why we produce it.  Did you miss the webinar? well check out the complete presentation here! Download Slides

Last night, we had the pleasure of welcoming journalist and communications expert Phillippa Maigaard Filtenborg for an inspiring evening of stories, insights, and meaningful dialogue as part of our monthly Food for Thought events. The conversation was moderated by our director, Garba Diallo. With a rich background in broadcast media and strategic communication, Phillippa brought a unique perspective shaped by her extensive work experience across both Danish and Greenlandic media landscapes. One of the evening’s highlights was a brief screening of Phillippa’s moment on stage with President Barack Obama during his visit to Denmark last year. She had the rare honour of moderating his presentation at the Næstved Arena. The audience was captivated by her interesting anecdotes from the event with Obama. Phillippa also spoke about her recent publication, a book exploring Greenland, which sparked a vibrant discussion about culture, representation, and the debates on colonial legacy, privileges and the role of the media regarding Greenland and the Arctic region. The talk naturally transitioned into an engaging Q&A session, where attendees commented and asked thoughtful questions and exchanged ideas with Phillippa in an open and lively atmosphere. The evening concluded with a delicious vegetarian dinner prepared by Send Flere Krydderier, a social enterprise restaurant known for its delicious Middle Eastern cuisine and community-driven mission. Sharing food and continuing conversations at the table rounded off the night with a sense of connection and shared curiosity.

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