Distinguished Gathering Marks Day of Peace in Copenhagen

Copenhagen, Denmark – On Sunday, October 19, 2025, UPF-Denmark celebrated the UN International Day of Peace 2025 under the theme “Act Now for a Peaceful World.” The event took place in the historic former Landsting Chamber of the Danish Parliament, now its largest meeting room. Originally planned earlier in the autumn, the event was postponed due to Denmark’s EU presidency meetings. 

The 150 participants included ambassadors for peace, politicians, religious and community leaders, scholars, artists, and NGO representatives. Inspired by UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message that “peace cannot wait – and it begins with us,” the event encouraged reflection on how individuals, civil society, and Denmark can take meaningful action for peace.

MP and Ambassador for Peace Ms. Yildiz Akdogan hosted the event, despite her busy municipal election campaign. She emphasized: “We are here to lift up a message together; peace is not a distant dream, but a responsibility we all share. It begins in our thoughts, our choices, and, to a great extent, in our relationships.”

Mr. Saif Shahbaz, ambassador for peace, political science student and former president of Minhaj Youth Denmark, gracefully moderated the program.

Featured speakers included:

• Ms. Ingeborg Breines, Norwegian peace advocate and former UNESCO director, who has led work on women, gender, and the culture of peace and continues to support global and Norwegian peace initiatives.

• Ms. Anne Skare Nielsen, universal futurist and one of Scandinavia’s leading futurists, inspiring audiences to face the future without fear.

• Mr. Henrik Kokborg, advisor and educator with over 25 years’ experience in integration and cultural understanding, with fieldwork across multiple MENAPT countries.

• Ms. Suzan Daoud, Palestinian author, municipal council member, and founder of Fredensborg Multicultural Women’s Association, working for integration, equality, and sustainable communities.

• Ms. Cæcilia Nilsson, Danish educator, entrepreneur, and AI specialist, promoting innovative learning, regenerative solutions, and renewed trust in education.

• Dr. Thorkil Christensen, general physician, and UPF peace educator. He shared the UPF vision: “Peace flows like a river, from the heart outward. It grows through conscience, inspiration, and prayer, making us not only receivers but messengers of peace. True peace requires trust and integrity, and it flourishes through connection, cooperation, and shared values.”

  
  

A common thread ran through all presentations: Peace begins within each of us, in quiet moments of listening, bridgebuilding, and choosing hope. It grows where hearts remain open, guided by conscience, strengthened by integrity, and expressed through love. By nurturing hope and acting with courage and compassion, we can make peace a tangible reality in our communities and across the world.

One of the speakers captured the essence of the event beautifully: “Perhaps the world’s turbulence is not what disturbs our hearts – perhaps our inner chaos disturbs the world. Peace begins within us: in our hearts, our breath, our words, and the way we listen to one another. Maybe the world is not falling apart – it is being remade.”

Ms. Laura Valesin, ambassador for peace and founder of Italian Language Coaching, guided the Peace Ceremony: “When we remain anchored in the frequencies of love, peace, and gratitude, we train the peaceful perspective in our daily lives. Peace is a path we choose and nurture every day.”

Mr. Lars Hannibal, Danish guitarist and lutenist, provided musical highlights, creating a deeply reflective and uplifting atmosphere through his internationally acclaimed performances.

The event was a living expression of peace in action – a day of presence, insight, and hope. Participants left inspired, noting the genuine dialogue, mutual respect, and spirit of unity that permeated the gathering.

By Karsten Nielsen, Secretary General, UPF-Denmark October 19, 2025