Copenhagen, Denmark – UPF-Denmark celebrated the UN International Day of Peace with a well-attended and inspiring event at the Danish Parliament on November 11, 2024. The day's theme, “Creating a Culture of Peace,” aligned perfectly with UPF's mission: promoting peace through dialogue and action.
Mr. Kim Aas, a member of parliament and celebration host, opened the event by reflecting on his recent trip to Taiwan. He shared impressions of the Taiwanese people’s longing for peace amidst constant fear of conflict. He described their desire for peace and commitment to democratic values: "War and peace begin in the mind. It is therefore crucial to cultivate a culture of peace that can prevent conflicts and build understanding and dialogue across differences – not just in times of crisis but as a fundamental part of our culture."
Mr. Karsten Nielsen, secretary general of UPF-Denmark, marked this year as the 10th anniversary of UPF’s first UN Day of Peace celebration at the Danish Parliament. In his welcoming remarks, he said, "This is a day when we remind ourselves and each other that peace is not a given; it is something we must actively work for – through small and significant actions." He urged participants to take responsibility as ambassadors for peace: "Everyone can be an ambassador for peace. It only requires us to act from the heart and conscience and to inspire others through our example."
Mr. Zoraiz Khushdil, an ambassador for peace and the event’s moderator, highlighted the importance of engaging youth in peacebuilding, reminding everyone that: “Peace is not just the responsibility of leaders; it is everyone’s responsibility.”
Mr. Mads Nygaard, an author and radio host, shared the touching story of a young Syrian immigrant who found a home in a fishing village. Mr. Nygaard works to bridge the gap between asylum seekers and local communities through storytelling and concrete initiatives. He has raised funds to reunite unaccompanied minor asylum seekers with their families and published a book sharing their stories.
Ms. Cecilie Gredal, a business advisor, spoke on “Peace in the World Begins Within Us.” She emphasized that peace starts with cultivating inner peace and that outstanding achievements always start small. She encouraged reflection on what moves one’s heart and brings meaning, joy and love.
Ms. Zainab Nasrati, a medical student, author, and columnist for Altinget, spoke on the theme “My Heart’s Cause is the Children of the World.” She used the metaphor of a child to represent the need to nurture peace in the world, making it more relatable and tangible. With a powerful illustration of a mother and her child, she explained that this is the most universal and fundamental part of human life – the beginning of life and love.
Mr. Karsten Nielsen then spoke on “Cultivating a Culture of Peace from the Heart” and highlighted three key points for peace. He said: “The first step toward peace is recognizing our shared humanity. We can begin to bridge differences when we see each other as brothers and sisters in one global family.” He stressed the importance of the family as a model for peace: “A family is bound by love and care. When conflicts arise, parents help their children find solutions, show respect, and make space for one another. These principles can be applied to conflicts between nations, cultures, and religions.” Finally, he emphasized the need to foster a “culture of the heart,” where the focus is on living for others and creating genuine care through action: “Perhaps I can be a peacemaker in my local community, strengthen relationships within my family, or support larger global peace initiatives.”
Mr. Thorkil Christensen from UPF then introduced the Peace Ceremony, which included seven representatives from Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism, who gathered in silence and prayer. Symbolically, each of them poured water into a shared bowl, accompanied by Schumann’s musical piece “Einsame Blumen.”
Composer Mr. Morten Jessen and violinist Ms. Natalia Gordeyeva performed the complete musical work “Kyiv,” with two movements before the break and two after. The piece is inspired by the resilience of the Ukrainian people and is based on a sermon by Ukrainian priest Viktor Marynchak, who spoke of strength, hope, and faith during the siege of Kharkiv. Mr. Jessen, founder of the Nordic Church Ensemble, created the work as a call for unity and peace, with “Kyiv” serving as a symbol of overcoming even the greatest challenges. Several participants were moved to tears during the performance.
The program concluded with all participants singing together, accompanied by Mr. Jessen and Ms. Gordeyeva, the Danish evening hymn, “Peace Rests Over Land and Town,” written by B.S. Ingemann in 1831. The lyrics paint a poetic image of evening and night, where silence and peace descend over nature and humanity.
The atmosphere was warm and inclusive. Many participants expressed gratitude for being part of the celebration. UPF received numerous positive responses, including suggestions for new partnerships and peace initiatives.
