The Launching of IAPP in Denmark for the Nordic Countries - Copenhagen, Denmark

By David Hanna that set the tone for some excellent sharing. As we sat around a circle of tables, a person’s turn to speak was acknowledged by having the previous speaker throw them a soft ball with

O n Saturday 23rd September, twenty current and former of members parliament, youth political bells on it. Democracy in action! Peace Ambassador Marion leaders and UPF representatives from the Nordic Pederson, a former member of the Danish Parliament spoke, countries met in the Danish Parliament building in as did Sonja Mandt, a member of the Norwegian parliament. Copenhagen to launch the International Association for It was particularly good to have some youth representatives Parliamentarians for Peace. of Danish political parties actively present. It took the form of a one-day, round-table conference - which After lunch, two short films were shown that introduced the represented well the characteristic sense of equality that is laureates of the 2017 Sunhak Peace Prize. Their work was enjoyed in Nordic countries in general, and Denmark in upheld as examples of what just one person can do - and that particular. Member of Parliament, Ulla Sandbaek was the UPF and IAPP goal of world peace should not be thought chairperson for the meeting which, as it brought together of as too idealistic. participants from Finland, Norway, Sweden and Denmark, Before the final afternoon session, participants were treated was conducted in the English language. to a private guided tour of the Danish Parliament building The morning session began with three presentations that with interesting stories and insights into the Danish style of focused largely on the United Nations’ Sustainable government. We closed with the signing of the Inaugural Development Goals (SDGs), their contribution to peace in the Resolution. When read out, the wording conveyed a powerful world and the betterment of a society where there is ‘no one vision of a call to work together across party and national left behind’. Dr. Steen Hildebrandt, professor at Aarhus boundaries to realize our deep human aspirations for a University, who is an expert and published author on this peaceful world. topic, presented his findings in a scholarly and heartful way