DanChurchAid, the Danish Red Cross and the Danish UN Association welcome you to join us for an in-person event on 20 January 2026. Hear insights from Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, parliamentarians, civil society leaders from the Global South, and international experts.
Program
Denmark in the UN Security Council
- Louise Riis Andersen, UN Security Council coordinator, Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Parliamentary Reflections on Multilateralism
- Christian Friis Bach, MP, chairperson, the Foreign Policy Council
- Trine Pertou Mach, MP, member of both the Foreign Policy Committee and Council
- Holger K. Nielsen, Special Representative for the UNSC Campaign, Minister of Foreign Affairs 2023-2024
- Mogens Lykketoft, President of UNGA 2015-16, Minister of Foreign Affairs 2000-2001
Perspectives on the UNSC & International Law
- Richard Gowan, Program Director, Global Issues and Institutions, International Crisis Group
- Dr. Emanuela Gillard, Chatham House and Oxford University (will join online)
Sudan Deep Dive: Impact of Humanitarian Diplomacy on the Ground
- Sudanese Local Response Actor Representative will give a presentation on what it is like to carry out humanitarian aid in a world where international rules do not always apply (will join online)
- Thea Yde-Jensen, Special advisor Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- John Aylieff, World Food Programme’s Representative and Country Director for Afghanistan (former Regional Emergency Coordinator for the Sudan Crisis)
Closing reflections
- Anders Ladekarl Secretary General, Danish Red Cross
Event details
Date: Tuesday 20 January 2026
Time: 14:00 – 16:00 CET
Location: DanChurchAid Office, Meldahlsgade 3, 1613 Copenhagen V
Background
Denmark was elected to the United Nations Security Council in June 2024 together with Somalia, Pakistan, Panama and Greece. Denmark assumed its seat in January 2025 for the 2025–2026 term. The first year of Denmark’s term has been marked by a Security Council struggling with internal division, as Denmark sought to promote international rule of law and to continue to advance key political and humanitarian agendas, under severe strain.
Yet, in the absence of agreement amongst Council Members or even where some Members appear to block advancements, membership of the Council still provides an international platform for advancing key agendas, political and humanitarian. Membership offers opportunities to convene actors, foster dialogue, and defend international norms both publicly and behind the scenes.
Taking stock of achievements, challenges and the state of multilateralism
This event will reflect on how Denmark has used its seat on the Council over the last year in a challenging environment. It will include discussions not only of the statements made and Resolutions negotiated, but also the quieter forms of diplomacy that take place beyond the public eye. It will address both challenges and achievements, including civil society engagement, and in particularly how Council Members can still find ways to uphold and apply the rule of law, even in challenging geopolitical times. Expert speakers will also discuss Council dynamics, how similar dynamics have been navigated in the past, and why promoting international law is paramount.
The final programme is still in progress
The event is fully booked.
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