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.
Speakers include:
- Holger K. Nielsen, Special Representative for the UNSC Campaign and Minister of Foreign Affairs 2023-2024
- Mogens Lykketoft, Minister of Foreign Affairs 2000-2001 and President of UNGA 2015-16
- Richard Gowan, Program Director, Global Issues and Institutions, International Crisis Group
- Emanuela-Chiara Gillard, Senior Visiting Fellow, Oxford Institute for Ethics, Law and Armed Conflict
- Sudanese Local Response Actor Representative (online)
(More speakers to be announced)
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 proposed conference aims to reflect on how Denmark has used its seat on the Council over the last year. This would include not only the statements made and Resolutions negotiated, but also the quieter forms of diplomacy that take place beyond the public eye. It aims to highlight achievements, including how civil society has been included, and particularly how Council Members can still find ways to uphold and apply the rule of law, even in challenging geopolitical times. Expert speakers will provide a bird’s-eye view of 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
Sign up
"*" indicates required fields
