FOLLOW US
Peace Education
UPF-Denmark Holds Collaborative Peace Road Event
Written by UPF-Denmark
Sunday, November 18, 2018
Copenhagen, Denmark—UPF-Denmark’s Peace Road 2018 event started with a peace march that was followed by a symposium with the theme “How to Promote Dialogue.” The symposium was hosted by Jacob Holdt in his Ubuntu House; Mr. Holdt became internationally known in the 1970s by creating the book of photography American Pictures, showing the hardships of America's poor people. He continues to be a peace activist and collaborates with several peace organizations.
The event was organized together with Minhaj Youth Denmark and took place on Sunday afternoon, November 18th.
At first the participants gathered at the Copenhagen City Hall Square, where hot soup was being served. At 1:30 pm the march started along a pedestrian street in the busy city center to Ubuntu-House. The march was accompanied by selected music pieces interspersed with inspirational quotes.
Zoraiz Khushdil, chairman of Minhaj Youth Denmark, moderated the symposium with much humor and warmth. Thorkil Christensen, cochairman of UPF-Denmark, introduced the background of the Peace Road initiative and showed a short promotional video.
The poet Mazen Ismail was the first speaker. Mr. Ismail, who was born in Beirut, Lebanon, came with his parents to Denmark as refugees. He grew up in his family in a Danish provincial town, where he experienced bullying, tension and exclusion. At the age of 17 he had nine knife wounds and ended up in prison. During this time Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tales and other poetry made deep impressions on him. After his release he started to explore music, write song lyrics and perform in the theater. His band, Lagix, soared to the top of radio charts in the Middle East with the single "Love You." In 2014, he founded the consultancy “Talte Tanker” [spoken thoughts], aiming to strengthen young people’s professional, personal and creative skills in collaboration with educational institutions, job centers and local governments.
At this event, Mr. Ismail shared three of his poems. He emphasized empathy and the need to listen in order to understand other people’s situations and feelings. Many of the young people present were especially touched by the depth of his thoughts and poetry.
Christopher Roehl Andersen, member of the Copenhagen City Council and former chairman of Social Liberal Youth in Denmark, was the second speaker. He stated that it is important to be curious about each other, to try to understand the feelings and motivations of other people, and to always enter into dialogue with an open mind. The only risk, he reminded us, is that we could change own opinion or standpoint. Participation as citizens is essential, he said, because it is a prerequisite for our own shared freedom. Dialogue, or conversation, is necessary to ensure our collective freedom: Dialogue means democracy in practice.
The speakers were followed by a dance performance by the modern Afro-ballet Root Astray.
During the refreshment break, there was very happy and lively sharing among all participants over coffee and cake. Subsequently, we had a panel debate focused on how to promote and inspire dialogue and stronger and deeper relationships in our community and nation. In conclusion, James Houston and Elizabeth Bramsen sang two beautiful songs.
This event marked the first time that UPF-Denmark held a symposium in conjunction with the Peace Road project, and we see some potential to develop this in the future.
If you find this page helpful and informative please consider making donation. Your donation will help Universal Peace Federation (UPF) provide new and improved reports, analysis and publications to you and everyone around the world.
UPF is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization and all donations are tax deductible in the United States. Receipts are automatically provided for donations of or above $250.00.
|
Donate to the Universal Peace Federation: Your donation to support the general programs of UPF. |
Donate to the Religious Youth Service (RYS): Your donation will be used for service projects around the world. |
Donate to UPF's Africa Projects: Your donation will be used for projects in Africa. |
Related Articles
Sri Lanka
UPF Conference at Sri Lankan Parliament Calls for Regional Cooperation
Colombo, Sri Lanka–The Parliament of Sri Lanka, in collaboration with ISCP and IAPP, co-organized a Parliamentarians Leadership Conference.
Sweden
UPF-Sweden Program Features UPF's Principles of Peace
Stockholm, Sweden—UPF’s Principles of Peace were at the center of the third Nordic Peace Seminar.
Peru
UPF-Peru Observes UN International Day of Peace
Lima, Peru—UPF-Peru observed the UN International Day of Peace 2023 in the auditorium of the Casa Ramón Castilla.