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Saturday, the 2nd of December, from 10:00 to 17:00, Crossing Borders gathered 38 Ukrainian youths aged 16-30 from all over Denmark to explore how they could create a meaningful and sustainable community for Ukrainian youth in Denmark. Working in large group dialogue processes, they explored the question ‘What would be a meaningful and sustainable community for you?’ and collaborated on projects, ideas, and initiatives they could undertake together. During the process, they clarified the values, events, and communication channels they wanted the community to be based on. They created five clubs: Sports, Creative Community, Mental Wellbeing, Online Community, and Social Activities, and established a Social Media community for their future work. The youth were very enthusiastic and engaged during the process, and it was clear there was a real need for the event, as one participant shared, ‘This is the first time I have felt at home in Denmark.’ Thank you to our partners from Bevar Ukraine and to Tuborg Fondet and BUPL Solidaritets- og Kulturfond who sponsored the event. The Youth For Ukraine gathering was the first of three initiatives planned by Crossing Borders. The next project is an innovation camp at the Youth Island outside Copenhagen, aimed at developing new solutions to the most pressing issues facing Ukrainian youth in Denmark. The innovation camp is scheduled for March/April 2024. We are following up with a 1½-year capacity-building program focused on the democratic engagement of Ukrainian youth in Danish society. This is the first national initiative that has been taken for Ukrainian youth in Denmark.

On November 16th, Crossing Borders, hosted a special “Food For Thought” event that brought together 40 people from different backgrounds. The event was held in a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and it gave participants the opportunity to connect with each other and share their personal stories. It’s a chance to learn from and be inspired by each other’s experiences in a supportive environment, all while enjoying a delicious meal together. The special guest for the November 16th edition was Gavin Harrison, the founder of T.N.G. Projects.  Galvin Harrison, a visionary artist, is transforming young lives in Nørrebro, Copenhagen through a remarkable initiative called T.N.G Projects. T.N.G stands for The Next Generation, and it’s all about inspiring young people to make sculptures that tell their stories. He was born in prison and grew up in a harsh care system.But instead of letting that hold him back, he turned it into something powerful. He used his love for art to help himself and now wants to help others.  Galvin’s message is clear: art can change lives and bring people closer. With his project, he’s giving young people a chance to express themselves and feel proud of who they are.  Driven by a profound understanding of the challenges faced by young people in navigating their identities, Galvin envisioned a project that would not only empower them to embrace their uniqueness but also foster a sense of unity and belonging. T.N.G Projects was born out of this vision, with its sculptures serving as tangible expressions of togetherness and acceptance, transcending the boundaries of age and cultural divides. Galvin believes that art can bridge gaps and help people feel accepted and understood.  During this event, Galvin shared how art changed his life. He talked about making beautiful sculptures and how they bring people together. He showed amazing, sculptures made by youth and kids. Galvin understands the struggles faced by many young people who inherit a mix of cultures. These challenges can create conflicts within them, making it hard to feel like they belong. He believes that by creating a welcoming space where everyone’s story is celebrated, these conflicts can be healed. His dedication to helping young people find their identity despite the challenges they face is commendable. Galvin’s journey teaches us that no matter the obstacles, embracing art and unity can create a better future for everyone.  Galvin’s journey is proof that no matter where you start, you can create something beautiful and inspire others along the way. With art, he’s making a world where everyone’s story counts and where we all understand and support each other.  Both the Food for Thought event and Galvin Harrison’s visionary T.N.G project share a profound similarity: the celebration of diversity and the power of shared narratives. While one provides a platform for individuals to exchange life stories in a warm and welcoming environment, the other, through its sculptures and artistry, embraces the same spirit of inclusivity and learning. Both initiatives stand as beacons of empathy, encouraging understanding, and fostering connections that transcend barriers of age, background, and nationality. They remind us that in sharing our stories and celebrating our differences, we create spaces where empathy thrives, understanding flourishes, and unity prevails.  About the author: I’m Bikalpa Bibash Basaula, an intern at Crossing Borders, Denmark. I recently had the pleasure of attending the Food For Thought event, organized by Crossing Borders, and it was an incredible experience.

As an organization that was founded to facilitate dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians, it is devastating for us at Crossing Borders to watch the Holy Land being turned into a war zone. It is even worse to see ordinary citizens, children, sick people, and civilian infrastructures relentlessly bombed into rubble. It is indeed horrifying to see the world watching millions of people in Gaza having their most basic needs like water, food, and medicine cut off, while their homes, hospitals, and schools get bombed. As the UN, the President of the EU, Amnesty, and Human Rights Watch have stated, this is a clear violation of international law and humanitarian principles. At Crossing Borders, we condemn these atrocities in the strongest terms possible and call for immediate intervention by the international community before it’s too late. At the same time, we strongly condemn the killing of Israeli civilians on 7 October, which ignited the current cycle of violence. In this sad moment, we think of the several hundreds of Crossing Borders members and their families on both sides and wish for their safety. In this recurrent cycle of tragedy, any serious search for a sustainable resolution needs to start with looking into the roots of the tragedy. Any honest person with a minimum of knowledge and a sense of humanity knows that the only way to end the carnage and build peace is to put an end to the illegal occupation and relentless brutalization of the Palestinian people. In international law, the occupying power has the duty to protect the civilians under its control. It is naive to not expect that violence breeds more violence and the cycle goes on as long as its root cause remains, with the short-sighted backing from the powerful states of the international community. This blind support of the brutal subjugation of the local people has exposed the double standard and hypocrisy on the part of some of the world powers. In the long run, such short-term and short-sighted support of either side will boomerang sooner rather than later. Therefore, we call on those countries (the US and its allies) who have the power to help enforce the UN resolution for a two-state solution as the most viable way out of the violence. May peace reign in the Holy Land. Crossing Borders

On October 12, our Food For Thought event featured a remarkable guest, Charlotte Flindt, an expert in international relations and a captivating speaker who shared valuable insights about her experiences and thoughts on current global issues.   As a member of the CB team, I was welcoming guests at the entrance when I witnessed a touching moment that truly represented our community’s spirit. An elderly man, eager to attend but lacking a Mobilepay app, was helped by a caring couple who bought his ticket. This act of kindness highlighted the warmth of our community, where age and familiarity are no barriers.  At the beginning of the event, attendees shared their diverse origins, emphasizing the event’s inclusive atmosphere. Following that, Charlotte shared her life story: portraying her teenage years spent in the Soviet Union and vividly describing her experiences, both in her studies and work. Later She went beyond personal stories. She addressed the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the tensions between Israel and Palestine. Her words resonated deeply, especially when she said, “Courage brings Freedom,” highlighting Ukraine’s resilience against Russia’s aggression. She also emphasized a fundamental truth: “War happens when people stop having a dialogue.” This insight shed light on the complex situation in Israel and Palestine, stressing the need for open conversations to promote understanding and peace.   After her impressive speech, attendees gathered for a shared meal, where conversations continued. Witnessing new connections form was heartening, showcasing the warm atmosphere of Food For Thought events. These interactions highlighted the event’s importance – it’s not just discussions; it’s a platform fostering friendships and meaningful talks. The event reminded us of the power of dialogue and understanding. War often arises from communication breakdowns. Charlotte’s words guided us toward a world where open discussions prevail, ensuring unity and peace.   Food For Thought isn’t just an event, It’s about inspiring change, making connections, and embracing diverse perspectives. We welcome you to become part of our community, where every voice is valued, and every story contributes to our shared understanding. Join us on November 16 for another evening of enlightenment and togetherness!  Authored By: Luka Tsibadze

During the last week of September CB, together with 100% for Børnene and Promentum, visited the Adventure Efterskolen in Broager. We implemented a three-day workshop with their project management course focused on creating engagement both locally and globally around the SDGs for our project Engaging Danish Schools in Development Work. This was accomplished through hands on activities that implemented non-formal education techniques to explore what are the SDGs, how they are being implemented globally to in turn look at how we can view them in a local context. This was made possible thanks to Denmak School in Zimbabwe which shared the ways in which they are localizing the SDGs. This was based in a new relationship between the two schools resulting in what we call Friendship Schools – a sustained collaboration and dialogue between peer groups across the globe. This Friendship School partnership allowed the Danish students to learn about new cultures and contexts, as well as challenge their own ideas of “Africa”. By doing so, we were also able to challenge our own ideas of Denmark as well– leading to many fruitful conversations in group and individual formats.   After spending the first day learning about the SDGs as a whole and the projects done by Denmak School, in which the students were especially moved by the Zimbabwean peers production greenhouse on site and their solar panel projects, the students spent the second day looking at project management and Design Thinking principles to dream up local ways they could take inspiration to make a similar project. After an intense day, in groups of 3 and 4, the students gave one-minute proposals on ways to implement one or more SDG in their context. This ideation process resulted in student-led proposals on reducing food waste in supermarkets (SDG 2), installing solar panels at their school (SDG 7), awareness about water system pollution from fertilizer run off in agriculture (SDG 6 & 12), and re-examining the meat-free menu options in their school (SDG 2). After getting peer-to-peer feedback and guidance from the facilitators, they fine-tuned their proposals through using Empathy Mapping and Product Walk.  This practice allowed them to imagine how local stakeholders and users might receive their projects. At the end of the day, each group gave a final presentation with these new considerations and the entire course chose one final project they would like to work on over the coming weeks. Spoiler alert: reducing food waste in the supermarkets overwhelmingly won the student vote.  The last day, as per the feedback from the group, we focused on the concrete ways to ensure an implementation of  the project over a period of 6 weeks This meant the students divided into groups based on interest: project management, awareness campaign, and fundraising; And spent time dividing tasks and seeing how they could work together to guarantee implementation. Their end goal: Having local supermarkets mark down damaged/unsellable food products or to-be-expired produce and have the difference in price be used to raise money that they will propose to the Denmak School can be used on their greenhouse project. We left the group excited about the future steps to take to make this vision a reality. Now it is on them to take the next steps to implement it and continue their discussion with their new friendship school. Of course, we will be here to support them, but ultimately, we are looking forward to seeing how they can make this change in their community while engaging globally. Authored by: Andrew Gibbons

Imagine a world where school meals aren’t just plates of food; they’re exciting adventures served with a side of sustainability. With schools adopting longer schedules and students desiring for healthy, sustainable meal options, the conversation on school lunches has never been more crucial.  Denmark, known for its liberal approach to school lunches, faces a pivotal moment. The country has the unique opportunity to redefine its approach to school meals, integrating nutrition, learning, and sustainability. On 29 September At the School Food Forum at the Frederiksberg City Hall a group of experts, educators, policymakers, and our dedicated team at Crossing Borders gathered to discuss and co-create the future of school meals in Denmark.  The day started with the energy of young minds in the Young People’s Foodlab, showcasing innovative proposals for green food solutions. This demonstrated how project-based learning and youthful creativity can integrate into sustainability education. The event was also graced by Jacob Jensen, Minister for Food, Agriculture, and Fisheries, who set the stage with insights into the past, present, and future of school meals in Denmark.   As for the Crossing Border’s presence at the event, We were proudly presenting “Growing Green Communities” program. This initiative is more than just a project, it’s a vision for a healthier, sustainable future. “Growing Green Communities” Project aims to understand the pathways of change in urban food production and consumption, we encourage young people to support communities in initiating urban gardening projects. It’s about empowering young gardeners, promoting plant-powered diets, and supporting local food heroes. Through this initiative, every meal becomes an opportunity for learning, fostering a deeper connection between food, sustainability, and community.  The event culminated in a powerful discussion about the significance of healthy school lunches and different perspectives of school food policies, involving CB team members from various countries. It showcased Crossing Borders’ commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and the belief that every child deserves access to nutritious meals for a brighter future.  Our presence at this event symbolizes our dedication to shaping a world where education, nutrition, and sustainability intersect harmoniously. The importance of providing healthy meals lies at the heart of Crossing Borders’ mission, because at Crossing Borders, every meal is a story, and every story is a step towards a better, greener world. Written By: Luka Tsibadze

What comes to your mind when you hear about Diversity? I had the opportunity to participate in the Crossing Borders workshop on “Diversity” for Japanese youth, and I must say it was an enriching experience. As a member of the Crossing Borders team, this workshop allowed me to interact with people from Japan for the first time, and it was both exciting and eye-opening. Prior to this workshop, my knowledge of Japanese culture was primarily limited to what I had seen in movies, which had always fascinated me.    日本語訳（in Japanese):   「ダイバーシティ」と聞いて何を思い浮かべますか？私は日本人の若者を対象とした”Diversity Workshop(多様性をテーマにしたワークショップ）”に参加する機会がありました。Crossing Bordersの一員として、このワークショップを通して初めて日本人と交流する機会が得られ、それは非常に楽しくまた目を見張るようなものでした。参加する前の私の日本に関する知識といえば主に映画の中で見たことに限定されますが、それはいつも私を魅了していました。  One aspect of the workshop that I particularly enjoyed was the various activities that were designed to facilitate our interactions and encourage us to express our opinions on what diversity means to us. Among these activities, the one that stood out to me the most was the exercise where we formed a line in the room and positioned ourselves based on whether we agreed or disagreed with a given statement. This activity was promoting discussion and self-reflection.   日本語訳（in Japanese):  このワークショップで取り組んだ様々なアクティビティは交流を促進し、また多様性が私たちにとってどんな意味があるのか活発に意見を出し合えるように工夫されていました。私にとって最も印象的だったのは、初めに部屋の中心で一列に並び、お題（自身の多様性に関する経験・考え方）を聞いて自分の賛成度・反対度に合わせて移動するアクティビティです。この活動を通して互いに話し合い、また自分自身の経験を振り返ることができたように感じます。 What made this activity special was the freedom it gave us to adjust our positions as we heard different opinions from our fellow participants. It encouraged us to actively listen to one another and be open to changing our perspective when we resonated with someone else’s point of view. This dynamic approach created an environment where diversity of thought was not only acknowledged but celebrated. It reminded me that diversity is not just about our backgrounds or identities but also about the diversity of ideas and perspectives that everyone brings to the table  日本語訳（in Japanese):  この活動では他の参加者の意見を聞いて自由に自分の位置を移動することができました。そのため、互いの意見にしっかりと耳を傾け、他者の視点に共感した時に柔軟に自分の視点を変化させることが促されており、多様な考え方が認められるだけではなく歓迎される環境が作り出されました。「多様性」とは私たちの生い立ちやアイデンティティだけを指すのではなく、自身の意見や視点の多様性も含まれていることに気づかされました。 Perspective from CB member from Japan   I was in charge of translation into Japanese for the first time. I found some words, for instance, “intersectionality” and “inclusion” are difficult to translate directly because these concepts haven’t been widely used in Japan yet. This experience once again made me realized that Japan is pretty much behind in terms of diversity. I think that people in Japan know that Diversity is a “good thing” and have a partial understanding of it, but do not understand completely and do not put into practice enough. As the saying goes, “出る杭は打たれる(the nail that sticks out gets hammered down)”, there is a tendency to prefer to behave like others in order not to attract attention by behaving differently. I think this makes it difficult to promote diversity.   The workshop provided a fantastic opportunity to think about ways to foster diversity in Japan. After enjoying various games, we had discussions like “Besides fun, what was the point of the activity?” and “How do you think it could relate to diversity?”. At that time, participants realized that these activities were intended to help them experience diversity to deepen their understanding of it.   In the final activity, our team difined diversity as a “Rainbow”, because everyone has different “colors” but in the end, they come together to create something beautiful like a reainbow. I believe that respecting people’s differences and cooperate together with taking advantage of differences can make our society much better.    日本語訳（in Japanese):  Crossing Borders 日本人メンバーより  初めて日本語翻訳を担当しました。特に「intersectionality（交差する多様性）」や「inclusion（包摂）」のような単語は、概念が日本でまだ十分に普及していないため直訳が難しいと感じました。そこで改めて日本が多様性の面でかなり遅れていることを実感しました。日本の人々は多様性が「良いものだ」と理解しているとは思いますが、完全に理解しておらず、充分に実践できていないように思います。「出る杭は打たれる」という諺の通り、他者からの注目を浴びないように他の人々と同じように振る舞う傾向があります。これが多様性の普及を妨げていると考えます。  私にとってこのワークショップは日本で多様性を促進する方法について考える素晴らしい機会でした。様々なゲームを楽しんだ後、「楽しい以外に、このゲームの目的は何でしょうか？」「このゲームが多様性とどのように関連すると思いますか？」といった話し合いの時間がありました。その時初めて、参加者はこれらのゲームが多様性を体験し、多様性をより深く理解するために意図されていることに気付くのです。  最後の活動で私たちのチームは多様性を「虹」と定義しました。それは誰もが異なる「色」を持っていて、最終的に虹のように美しいものになるからです。私は人々の違いを尊重し、違いを活かして協力することで良い社会になると考えています。 Overall, the Crossing Borders workshop on “Diversity” for Japanese youth was a fantastic experience that allowed me to broaden my horizons and gain a deeper appreciation for the importance of embracing diversity in all its forms. I believe that workshops like these are instrumental in promoting understanding and inclusion. I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of it and to capture through my photography these beautiful interactions.  日本語訳（in Japanese):  今回のワークショップ全体を通して自分自身の視野を広げ、あらゆる多様性を受け入れる重要性を深く理解することができました。私はこのようなワークショップが多様性に関する理解を深め、互いの違いを認め合い協力することを促進する機会になると信じています。今回参加できたこと、そしてこのような美しい交流を写真に収める機会が与えられたことに感謝しています。 Authored by Lustin Baisan  and Eimi Yamashita

In today’s world, fast fashion has become the norm, with significant social and environmental implications. The rapid production and disposal of clothing contribute to pollution, waste, and poor working conditions in the fashion industry. The BRAND Project recognizes the urgency of addressing these issues and believes that informed and motivated young people can be catalysts for change.  Our initiative centers around educating and engaging young people. We aim to equip them with the knowledge and tools needed to make conscious fashion choices that prioritize sustainability and ethical practices. By raising awareness about the true cost of fast fashion, we inspire the youth to take action in their own lives and become advocates for a better fashion industry.  We are thrilled to unveil the Brand Eco-Fashion Toolkit, a powerful resource designed to empower young people to make eco-friendly fashion choices and contribute to a more sustainable fashion future.  Our toolkit is thoughtfully divided into two sections, each offering valuable insights and practical guidance:  Be Aware: a collection of useful information on the current fashion industry and sustainable alternatives.  Be Prepared: a compilation of activities young people can do to make sustainable fashion choices.  We invite you to check it out and dive into the wealth of information and activities waiting for you!  Click to Download

Food for Thought is a special event where we mix storytelling with dinner. It’s like bringing two different things together to make people feel close. The event held on September 14th featured a very special guest – Morten Meldal, a Danish chemist and Nobel laureate. His achievements and captivating storytelling made this event truly extraordinary.  Meldal is famous for his groundbreaking work in chemistry, particularly for developing the CuAAC-click reaction, a significant contribution to the world of organic synthesis. What’s even more amazing is that he achieved this milestone independently, showcasing true innovation.  As a new member of the Crossing Borders team, I eagerly took part in ensuring the event’s success, alongside my dedicated colleagues. Together, we worked diligently to make sure that everything was just right for the approximately 70 guests in attendance.  At the beginning of the event, we all had to stand up and say our names and where we came from. It was amazing to hear where everyone was from. There were so many different backgrounds, languages, and stories in the room. It made me feel really happy and connected to everyone. Even though I didn’t know many people there, it felt like I was part of a big family story before dinner.   The evening itself was a mix of intellectual enrichment and a warm atmosphere. Meldal shared his life story, including the challenges he faced on his path to winning a Nobel Prize. What truly stood out was his ability to inject humour into a serious topic, keeping the audience both informed and entertained.  One question from the audience struck a chord with me: “How did you keep going, even when it took so long to achieve something as significant as a Nobel Prize?” Meldal’s answer was simple but profoundly inspiring: “Just do it!” These words serve as a reminder that determination and persistence are the keys to achieving greatness.  After the talk, we all sat down to have dinner together. There’s always something special about sharing a meal with new people. It was a great way to end an evening full of interesting stories and ideas. I couldn’t help but reflect on the unique and inspiring experience I had just been a part of.   So, here’s to new adventures, learning from great people like Meldal, and remembering the motto: “Just do it!” Copenhagen is already beginning to feel like a second home, and I eagerly look forward to more adventures and opportunities in the days ahead.  Authored by Luka TsibadzeA little about me – I’m Luka from Georgia. I’m doing a year of volunteering through the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) in Crossing Borders and that’s part of my story. I am and have always had a passion for exploring new places. Landing in Copenhagen was the start of an adventure I won’t forget. Little did I know that one of the first days of the journey would lead me to an exceptional evening hosted by Crossing Borders.

It was an honour for Crossing Borders to partner with the Danish Afghan women’s right organisation DAKDIF to organise a conference on the Taliban rule in Afghanistan. Entitled Two Years After the Take Over- Challenges and ways forward, the conference was held on July 30th, 2023, in Copenhagen. With some 60 participants from the Afghan Diaspora community, the event was led by two powerful women Tahmina Salik and Elaha Salik from the Danish-Afghan Diaspora Forum in Denmark. There were also Afghan speakers and participants from Austria, Switzerland, and other European countries plus two MPs from Denmark and the UN rapporteur Richard Bennet. Crossing Borders was represented by the Director Garba Diallo and Project Coordinator Giselle Masiera. In her keynote remarks on the unbearable challenges Afghan women face every day for the past two years, the Afghan human right activist Elaha Salik, put it eloquently: “Imagine living in a world where your every move is strictly controlled, and where your very existence is deemed a threat. This is the reality faced by countless Afghan women today. Just being who they are, they risk arrest, torture, and even execution. Their basic rights, such as freedom of movement, education, and the pursuit of happiness, have been snatched away”. Elaha Salik concluded her impactful speech by reminding the audience about the plight of Afghan women in the hands of the Taliban: “If we were in Afghanistan right now, we would have broken several laws today, just by being ourselves. I would have broken the following ones: Traveling without a male guardian Showing my face and figure in publicPassing through a park on my morning runGetting a haircut in a beauty salonListening to music And I even hugged a male friend – which would have been enough for us both to be stoned”. During the discussion and debate the issue which dominated the conference was to engage or not to engage with the Taliban. Some delegates argued that as long as the Taliban are the de facto rulers of the country, they need to be included in the dialogue toward a sustainable solution to the tragedy. However, other delegates counter argued that as long the Taliban continued their brutal war on women, they must be excluded. Hence, the sticking issue was not about the goal of liberating the country, but the approach visa-vis the Taliban. Fortunately, despite the different views, the conference participants agreed on the following recommendations: Engagement with the Taliban does not entail accepting their rule, instead, mechanisms must be put in place that rather discuss the rights of Afghan citizens Declaration of Afghanistan as a Neutral State: To ensure regional and global security, all relevant political stakeholders in Afghanistan should come together under the auspices of the United Nations to reach a consensus on declaring Afghanistan a neutral state. This status should be tied to the establishment of a political system that upholds democratic values, equal rights, food security, and economic stability. Concerted efforts should be made to counter extremist ideologies and discourage recruitment for future conflicts. Education and awareness programs should be promoted to undermine the influence of radical ideologies. Prioritizing Global Human Security: Afghanistan’s national interest is intrinsically tied to global human security, encompassing access to education, healthcare, equal rights, and food security. Efforts should be made to alleviate poverty and improve living conditions to prevent the perpetuation of radicalization and exploitation of vulnerable groups, especially women and children. Parallel Processes for Durable Peace: A lasting peace in Afghanistan requires simultaneous processes at both national and international levels. Nationally, there should be a consensus on the country’s political future, emphasizing inclusive governance and participation. Internationally, key stakeholders must collaborate to ensure regional stability and global security. Accountability in Aid Donations: Aid donors should create policies that prioritize accountability and transparency. Ground realities should be thoroughly understood and considered to lay the foundation for a healthy society where the rights of all individuals, including girls, women, minorities, and vulnerable groups, are protected, and promoted.