Blog

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

The atmosphere is set, the anticipation palpable, as distinguished guests gather for an inspiring evening hosted by Crossing Borders. DanChurchAid’s General Secretary, Jonas Nøddekær, stands ready to share his extraordinary journey. With a warm welcome and a thought-provoking introduction, he begins his storytelling, transporting the audience back to where it all started—his university years. In 2000, Nøddekær earned his diploma in Political Science from the University of Copenhagen. Little did he know that this academic milestone would be the foundation for a remarkable career dedicated to humanitarian service. With vivid anecdotes, he takes the audience on a journey across the globe, illustrating the profound impact of DanChurchAid’s work in some of the world’s most vulnerable regions. His stories are more than just tales of travel—they are powerful narratives of resilience, courage, and the transformative power of humanitarian aid. From disaster-stricken communities to conflict zones, Nøddekær sheds light on the human faces behind global crises. He recounts encounters with extraordinary individuals whose determination and bravery have left an indelible mark on his life and career. One of the most compelling moments of the evening is his reflection on the recent conflict in Ukraine. As Russia’s invasion unfolded, DanChurchAid swiftly mobilized to provide crucial support to Ukrainian citizens. Through acts of solidarity and resourceful humanitarian efforts, the organization played a vital role in helping the people of Ukraine stand against a superpower, embodying the true spirit of resilience and hope. Nøddekær’s journey is not just about his personal evolution but also about witnessing the expansion of democracy and humanitarian progress across foreign regions. His experiences paint a picture of an ever-changing world, where individuals and organizations can make a lasting impact. The evening concludes with an atmosphere of empowerment, leaving the audience inspired by the possibilities of global change and the power of crossing borders—not just physically, but in understanding, compassion, and action. Written by Shani Schmidt, Intern at Crossing Borders

Written by: Ella Hvass, Julia Kristensen and Gry Ida Voss. Hello everyone, we are 18 students and three teachers from Fredensborg Municipality, all in 9th grade, who in November 2024 went on a study trip to Ghana. We had an incredibly exciting and unique experience. We went as SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) ambassadors to focus on goals 4 (quality education) , 7 (affordable and clean energy) , and 12 (responsible consumption and production). Throughout our trip, we encountered many new and fascinating things, such as Boti Falls, the Ada radio station, and Naana Baadu School, which was the primary purpose of our visit. At the school, everyone was very welcoming, and the children were incredibly sweet and excited to see us. We didn’t just experience new things; we also learned a lot. One of the main lessons we took away was their immense sense of gratitude. Everyone we met had a big smile on their face and was eager to help. You could really sense how grateful they were that we took the time to visit their country, experience their way of life, and immerse ourselves in their culture. These experiences also taught us the importance of patience in many African countries. Time in Ghana works very differently. For example, when we had to take the ferry, it didn’t leave until it was completely full. We also encountered traffic jams that lasted more than two hours. These experiences have shown us that there are far more important things in life than complaining about a 20-minute traffic delay in Denmark. Many of the things we encountered were different from what we had expected. Before we left, we had certain assumptions, especially about the people. We thought we would stand out a lot, but instead, they included us in everything and were incredibly welcoming. To conclude, we would like to recommend a trip like ours. It is both highly educational and unique, so go ahead and take the trip with other young people. Thank you for reading! The trip to Ghana is part of Crossing Borders’ project “Yes – Youth Engagement and Sustainability” supported by Globus Puljen.