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Spotlighting Copenhagen Lived Experiences
2023-02-21 10:00 - 11:30 (Europe/Copenhagen) | UN City, Marmorvej 51, Copenhagen, 2100, Denmark
Join us this Black History Month for a panel discussion on the lived experiences of African/Afro-descendant UN colleagues in Copenhagen.
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This panel discussion aims to bring together a diverse group of experts and community leaders to explore the lived experiences of African/Afro-descendant colleagues in Copenhagen beyond their offices. It will also be an opportunity to provide a space for meaningful and respectful dialogue about anti-racism in Copenhagen, addressing the challenges and opportunities in preventing racist and discriminatory acts, and to inspire attendees to take action towards promoting equity and justice in their own lives and communities.
Panellists (TBC)

Vivian Cintron – Communications Lead, SCM Unit, UNFPA
Fahad Saeed – Diversity Manager, MungoPark
Fernando Navarro Sanchez – Ombudsman office, UN City Copemhagen
Peris Wambugu – Diversity and Inclusion Officer, UNOPS
Cynthia Birikundavyi – Senior Diversity and Inclusion Officer, UNHCR (Moderator)

Programme
10:00 Opening and introduction to the purpose and goals of the panel
10:05 Brief introductions by each panellist highlighting their background and expertise
10:25 Panel discussion allowing the panellists to share their perspectives and experiences
11:00 Q&A session inviting all attendees to share their lived experiences and pose questions to the panellists
11:25 Closing reflective remarks by the moderator and the panellists highlighting key takeaways and potential next steps for attendees to consider
Guiding Questions

How has your lived experience as an African/Afro-descendant person been like in Copenhagen and what challenges have you faced in terms of racial discrimination and prejudice?
What are the linkages you see between the UN City employee experience and social dynamics within Danish society?
Since the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020, more space has been created to discuss race and racial discrimination around the world. What have you personally learned?
We often talk about ‘zero tolerance’ to racial discrimination. What does it mean in practice?
What are some examples of good practices you have seen locally?
What do you think leaders and allies need to hear?
How do you define Duty of Care when it comes to providing support to colleagues who may be marginalised outside the office space.

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Bringing CSW Home: Solutions to Strengthen Civic Space and Women’s Digital Rights
2023-03-16 13:30 - 15:00 | virtual
Amidst growing resistance, regression, and pushback on gender equality, join us for a discussion on the ‘Solutions to Strengthen Civic Space and Women’s Digital Rights’. Let us take stock of recent developments and challenges and share experiences, lessons learned, and ideas from the Nordic context to explore the role Nordic countries can play in addressing the pushback.

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Moderator: Alexandra Pascalidou, award-winning journalist, author, producer, and TV hostess, UN Women Sweden’s President.
Speakers: Representation from governments, civil society, private sector, youth, media, and international organisations.

This virtual event is co-organised by the UN Women Nordic Liaison Office, and Finnish, Icelandic, and Swedish National Committees.

Programme:

13:30-13:35
Introduction: CSW67
– Alexandra Pascalidou, award-winning journalist, author, producer, and TV hostess, UN Women Sweden’s President

13:35-13:40
Opening Remarks: UN Women’s perspective on the global pushback on gender equality and how we can strengthen the civic space and women’s digital rights
– Åsa Regnér, UN Women Deputy Executive Director

13:40-14:15
Session 1: Share and discuss challenges, experiences and solutions towards the pushback on gender equality from a Nordic perspective
– Elinor Samuelsson, Founder, BrightAct, Sweden
– Sigríður Björk Guðjónsdóttir, National Commissioner of Police, Iceland
– Tawar Salari, Generation Equality Youth Group Member, Finland
– Lars Engberg-Pedersen, Senior Researcher at Danish Institute for International Studies, Denmark

14:15-14:55
Session 2: How can the Nordic countries play a key role in responding to the pushback and better support women human rights defenders, peacebuilders and members of civil society, with a focus on online spaces
– Jino Doabi, Board Member, Voice of Iran, Denmark
– Vita Volodovska, Head of NGO Digital Security Lab, Ukraine
– Thomas Blomqvist, Minister for Nordic Cooperation and Equality, Finland
– Zahra Mesbah, Project Manager and Cultural Mediator, Iceland

14:55-15:00
Conclusion & Next Steps: Taking forward concrete solutions responding to the pushback on gender equality
– Moderated by Alexandra Pascalidou, award-winning journalist, author, producer, and TV hostess, UN Women Sweden’s President

Global Context

Opposition to gender equality and to women’s rights activism has become more vocal, global, and better organised in recent years. Not only are there coordinated and well-resourced, well-networked groups putting forward traditional, patriarchal, binary, and hetero-normative constructs of men’s and women’s roles in society and polity, but these notions are finding public legitimacy through political processes and rhetoric, including from political leaders at the highest levels of governments. This challenge to long established international UN human rights frameworks norms and standards is playing out in policy making spaces nationally, regionally, and globally.
As a result, we are seeing the hard-won gains on women’s rights currently under attack in fields as diverse as sexual and reproductive rights, political participation, the labour market, care work, and violence against women.
Trends of de-democratisation have gone hand in hand with the articulated opposition to established standards of gender equality and the backsliding of previous gender equality policy gains. Women’s rights are significantly at threat particularly when such rights have been more recently established and where the space for civil society actors to defend them is limited and/or shrinking.
This situation is further aggravated by rampant misinformation and disinformation fuelled by technology and the surveillance, censorship, and violence enabled by the digital sphere.
Women are disproportionately targeted and suffer serious consequences as a result of online and technology-facilitated violence against women (TFVAW). The aggression faced by women and girls online also restricts their access to online services and tools, affects their work and learning opportunities, and deters their engagement as active digital citizens in important online spaces and dialogues. Women human rights defenders, politicians and journalists are at greater risk of technology-facilitated violence, as are women facing multiple discriminations. One of the consequences of online and technology-facilitated violence against women and girls is that victims/survivors silence themselves online, which limits participation in public discourse, resulting in a democratic deficit.

Nordic Context

The growing resistance, regression, and push-back on gender equality is taking place globally as well as in the Nordic context. In September 2022, the Nordic Ministers for Gender Equality launched the Nordic Roadmap on Advancing Gender Equality, Women’s and Girls Rights, and Equal Rights of LGBTI-persons 2022-2024 outlining their commitment and response to the push-back and anti-gender movement.
The Nordic Roadmap is anchored by the Nordic Council of Ministers and serves as a framework to strengthen and elevate the common Nordic voice for gender equality, women’s and girls’ rights, and equal rights for LGBTI- persons internationally, responding to three specific objectives:
a) To promote a common Nordic voice and communication,
b) To foster advocacy, alliances and cooperation,
c) To exchange experiences.

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docUNight: In Her Hands
2023-03-17 16:30 - 19:00 | UN City, Marmorvej 51, Copenhagen, 2100, Denmark
At 26, Zarifa Ghafari, became one of Afghanistan’s first female mayors and the youngest to ever hold the position. Filmed over two turbulent years, the film documents her personal battle for survival as her country unravels.
In commemoration of International Women’s Day, join us on 17 March in UN City for a screening of the movie ‘In Her Hands‘ and expert perspectives on the situation and quest of women and girls in Afghanistan.
The event is co-hosted by UN Women Nordic Office and DAKDIF – Danish-Afghan Women & Diaspora Forum, with support to the event provided by the Danish Refugee Council.
#LetHerLearn #WomenLifeFreedom #WorkFoodFreedom #EducationWorkFreedom

Food and drinks will be available for purchase in the UN City Café from 15:30–16:30.
Please bring a valid photo-ID to get through security at UN City and set aside time for the security check prior to the event.

Register to save your spot via Eventbrite

Programme:
16:30: Welcome by moderator Flemming Johannesen, Head of UN City Communications
16:33: Panel introduction to the commemoration of International Women’s Day zooming in on the voices of women and girls in Afghanistan
Panelists:

Alison Davidian, UN Women Representative, Afghanistan (virtual participation)
Tahmina Salik, Chairperson, DAKDIF – Danish-Afghan Women & Diaspora Forum
Zarifa Ghafari, Economist and Human Rights Activist

17:00–18:30: Screening of ‘In Her Hands’
18:30–19:00: Interview with Zarifa Ghafari
19:00: Closing of event

Background:
On 24 December 2022, the Taliban issued a letter banning women from working in international and national non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the latest attack in a series of systematic infringements on the fundamental rights of women and girls since the Taliban takeover of Kabul in August 2021.
Developed during the two-week period following the ban, this gender alert analyses the impact of the directive through the insights of Afghan women’s civil society organizations. The gender alert focuses primarily on the immediate repercussions of the ban on humanitarian assistance, as well as the implications for the economy and women’s empowerment. It concludes that the ban:

is discriminatory and dictates whom humanitarian actors can(not) employ, and whom they can reach with assistance;
has multilayered implications that go beyond the inability of reaching women and girls with life-saving assistance, including dealing a further blow to the Afghan economy amid the ongoing crisis; and
speeds up the erasure of Afghan women and girls from all aspects of Afghan public life.

About Zarifa Ghafari:
Zarifa Ghafari received the 2022 International Women’s Right Award at United Nations Geneva Summit. She was included by BBC in the list of 100 inspiring and influential women from around the world for 2019. On March 4, 2020, Zarifa Ghafari was honored by the U.S. Department of State as an “International Women of Courage” and she was included in The Badass 50 list. In 2020, she received the award: “Women Who Can Change the World by InStyle” as well as many other awards and lists within the country from various organizations.
About UN Women:
UN Women is the United Nations entity dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women. A global champion for women and girls, UN Women was established to accelerate progress on meeting their needs worldwide.
About DAKDIF:
The Danish Afghan Women Forum (DAKDIF) was established in January 2021 to promote Afghan women’s access to education, economic growth, their participation in social and political landscape on both a national and international scale, and civic engagements. DAKDIF strives to provide Afghan women with the necessary tools and resources to participate and engage in civic, social and political activities.

docUNight: Green City Life / La Belle Ville
2023-04-14 16:30 - 19:00 | UN City, Marmorvej 51, Copenhagen, 2100, Denmark
What makes a city healthy? How do we build greener and cleaner cities of tomorrow, reconnecting with nature and combining the benefits of the countryside with the advantages of the urban world?
In connection with World Health Day and the 75th anniversary of the World Health Organization, join us on 14 April for a docUNight screening of ‘Green City Life‘ (‘La Belle Ville’). This inspiring documentary on how cities can be propelled into the 21st century links solutions such as revegetation, urban farming, and bio-waste recovery with greener and healthier cities for everyone.
Through the documentary, Manon and François will take you on an inspiring journey around the world, meeting ordinary people with extraordinary initiatives and solutions for healthier urban environments that reconnect People, Cities, and Nature.
#WorldHealthDay #HealthyCities
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Register to save your spot
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Food and drinks will be available for purchase in the UN City Café from 15:30–16:30.
Please bring a valid photo-ID to get through security at UN City and set aside time for the security check prior to the event.
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Programme:
16:30: Welcome by Flemming Johannesen (Head of UN City Communications)
16:33: Welcome by Petra Hongell (World Health Organization)
16:35: Short Film on WHO75 (1:32 min)
16:38: Screening of ‘Green City Life – La Belle Ville’ (1h 25min)
18:05: Presentation of the panellists by moderator Petra Hongell (World Health Organization)
18:10: Discussion and Q&A on the Cities of the Future
Panellists:

Camilla van Deurs, Architect MAA, Copenhagen Municipality City Architect
Kira Fortune, Ph. D., M.I.H., M.A., B.Sc., Regional Advisor, Healthy Cities, Health Promotion and Well-being, World Health Organization
Livia Urban Swart Haaland, Co-founder of ØsterGro (rooftop farm), FællesGro (CSA initiative), and Øens Have (urban farm & restaurant).

19:00: Closing of event
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Background:
By 2050, 2 out of every 3 people are likely to be living in cities or other urban centres, according to the United Nations. Most of the increase is expected to be highly concentrated in just a handful of countries. Cities generate wealth but also concentrate poverty, inequality, and ill health. From densely populated slums to homelessness and pockets of destitution, urban poverty and inequality take many forms.
Good urban planning is one of the essential tools for shaping the future of sustainable cities – a future where climate change and environmental concerns increasingly dominate future scenarios. Beyond hospitals, medicines and vaccines, equitable provision of health-promoting infrastructure such as green spaces, improved housing, clean and safe drinking water, and extensive sewer systems to safely dispose of human waste are necessary minimum components for securing public health in urban areas.
WHO’s Healthy Cities Network is a global movement working to put health high on the social, economic, and political agenda of city governments. For three decades, the network has been a pioneering driver of change, creating healthier urban settings that support the health and well-being of people of all ages.
About the Panellists:
Camilla van Deurs
This year, Copenhagen has been designated the World Capital of Architecture. Camilla van Deurs is the Chief City Architect for the City of Copenhagen since February 2019, working to shape a more livable capital in one of the world’s most sustainable cities.
Kira Fortune
Kira Fortune, Ph. D., M.I.H., M.A., B.Sc. has worked for more than 15 years in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America in positions related to public health, gender and social determinants of health. She works as the WHO Regional Advisory for Healthy Cities, Health Promotion, and Well-being.
Livia Urban Swart Haaland
Choosing rooftop gardens instead of her studies in architecture, Livia is the co-founder of the first Danish urban rooftop farm ØsterGro, as well as the CSA initiative FællesGro and the urban farm and restaurant Øens Have.
About the World Health Organization:
Founded in 1948, the World Health Organization is the United Nations agency that connects nations, partners and people to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable – so everyone, everywhere can attain the highest level of health. Dedicated to the well-being of all people and guided by science, WHO leads and champions global efforts to give everyone, everywhere an equal chance to live a healthy life.

Folkemødet 2023
2023-06-15 12:00 - 2023-06-17 18:00 | Allinge, Bornholm, 3770 Allinge, Denmark, Allinge, 3770, Denmark
UN City Copenhagen will be represented at the People’s Meeting 2023 (Folkemødet 2023) – Denmark’s largest political festival – from the 15thof June through the 17th of June.
The UN City Copenhagen pavilion will be in the Sustainable Development Goals square (A4). To learn more about our festival programme and the UN agencies attending, click here.
Stay tuned for updates on our website and social media channels.

docUNight: The Swimmers
2023-06-22 16:30 - 20:30 | UN City, Marmorvej 51, Copenhagen, 2100, Denmark
Join us for an inspiring evening as we present a special screening of the biographical drama ‘The Swimmers’. This thought-provoking film is based on the true story of Yusra and Sara Mardini, two courageous swimming sisters from Syria, and their extraordinary journey as refugees.
Run time: 2h 14min
Language: English
#WorldRefugeeDay #HopeAwayFromHome #TheSwimmersDocumentary
#RefugeeStories #UNHCR #SupportRefugees #Resilience #TogetherWeCan
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Register to save your spot
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Food and drinks will be available for purchase in the UN City Café from 15:30–16:30.
Please bring a valid photo-ID to get through security at UN City and set aside time for the security check prior to the event.
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Programme:
16:30: Welcome by Flemming Johannesen (Head of UN City Communications)
16:35 Prelude with Yusra Mardini’s and the High Commissioner for Refugees’ messages
16:45: Screening of ‘The Swimmers’ (2h 14min) incl. an intermission
19:15: Discussion and Q&A
Panellists:

Sally El Hosaini, movie director & screenwriter of ‘The Swimmers’
Salah Zada, Country Representative at the Danish Refugee Council Youth (DFUNK)
Hans Lucht, Head of Unit, Senior Researcher at the Danish Institute for International Studies
Maja Lazić, Deputy Head of the Joint Data Centre at UNHCR

20:15: Closing of event
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Background:
Step back in time to 2011, where the movie begins by capturing the idyllic life of the sisters in a suburb of Damascus. As the Syrian war unfolds, they face a difficult choice: leaving their homeland behind and embarking on a perilous journey to Europe in search of safety and hope. ‘The Swimmers’ portrays their determination, resilience, and unwavering pursuit of their dreams amidst the chaos and destruction surrounding them.
About the Main Lead:
Yusra, the main lead in the documentary, holds onto her dream of competing in the Olympics even as she confronts immense challenges along her path. Her unwavering spirit and strength inspire all those who witness her remarkable journey.
About the Director of the Film:
Sally El Hosaini is a BAFTA nominated feature film writer and director. Her acclaimed debut feature, ‘My Brother the Devil’, picked up major prizes at Sundance, Berlin, and London Film Festivals. ‘The Swimmers’, Sally’s second feature, opened the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival before being nominated for the BAFTA for Outstanding British Film. The script was co-written with Jack Thorne and produced by Working Title Films and Netflix. It was one of the most streamed films in the world in 2022 and one of Netflix’s most successful original films to date.
About World Refugee Day:
This event is particularly significant as it coincides with World Refugee Day, a global initiative to honour and support refugees worldwide. It serves as an opportunity to raise awareness about the millions of forcibly displaced individuals and their incredible contributions to society.
About UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency:
In alignment with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the UN Refugee Agency recognises the importance of protecting and advocating for the rights and well-being of refugees. By amplifying their voices and sharing their stories, we hope to foster empathy, understanding, and solidarity. Please join us for this special documentary screening, where we will explore the experiences, struggles, and triumphs of Yusra and Sara Mardini. Their journey serves as a testament to the indomitable human spirit and the resilience of refugees worldwide.

Commemorative Event to Remember the Victims of the Terrorist Attack Against the UN Compound in Baghdad in 2003
2023-08-24 11:00 - 12:30 | UN City, Marmorvej 51, Copenhagen, 2100, Denmark
19 August 2023 marks 20 years since the terrorist bombing of the Canal Hotel in Baghdad, Iraq. 22 colleagues were killed and 150 wounded. Since the founding of the United Nations, more than 4,300 brave people have lost their lives in its service.
🇺🇳 Join us on 24 August in UN City to remember the victims of the attack against the UN compound in Baghdad in 2003, participate in the wreath laying ceremony, and hear from:

Henrik Fredborg Larsen (Director of the UNDP Nordic Office)
Mogens Lykketoft (former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Denmark and President of the UN General Assembly)
Henrik Kolstrup (former UNDP Resident Representative and UN Resident Coordinator) and his spouse Elsebeth Kolstrup
Torben Gettermann (former Danish Ambassador to Iraq)

Let us pay tribute to and honour the memory of colleagues (civilian, military, and police) who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
See full programme and save your spot via Eventbrite.

docUNight: World Mental Health Day Short Films
2023-10-06 17:30 - 19:30 | UN City, Marmorvej 51, Copenhagen, 2100, Denmark
In connection with World Mental Health Day and the 75th anniversary of the World Health Organization, join us on 6 October for a docUNight screening of award-winning short films on various topics surrounding mental health and well-being.
Chances are we all know someone who has struggled with poor mental health. In 2019, more than 125 million people in the WHO European Region – about 1 in 7 people – lived with a mental health condition. Only a fraction of them received the care they need.
In these short films, we will meet ordinary people with extraordinary determination and resilience. Diving into topics such as depression, climate anxiety, schizophrenia, stigma, or homelessness – combined with a strong message of hope – the films underline the importance of connecting with each other, fostering discussion, dialogue, and understanding.
The short films are part of the WHO Health For All Film Festival’s shortlisted or winning films.
The screening will be followed by a discussion and Q&A, inspiring conversations, actions, and solutions for reducing stigma and improving well-being for all through #Film4Health.
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REGISTER TO SAVE YOUR SPOT
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Food and drinks will be available for purchase from 16:30–17:30.
Please bring a valid photo-ID to get through security at UN City and set aside time for the security check prior to the event.
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Programme:
17:30: Welcome by WHO
17:35: Screening of short films on mental health (total duration: 1 hour)
18:35: Discussion and Q&A
19:30: Closing of event
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About the panelists:
Paul Jerndal
Paul Jerndal is an award-winning Swedish filmmaker and passionate advocate for mental health. Paul actively engages with organisations and non-profit mental health initiatives, using his films to raise awareness and drive positive change, sparking conversations that promote understanding, compassion, and self-reflection.
Rune Jørgensen
Rune Jørgensen is a voluntary ambassador with One Of Us, a Danish governmental campaign for combatting societal stigma associated with ill mental health. He also has 20 years of experience living with a mental health condition. Politically engaged, Rune sees his work as part of fighting stigma and self-stigma in a broader context in a society.
Dr Ledia Lazeri
Dr Ledia Lazeri is the Regional Adviser for Mental Health at the WHO Regional Office for Europe, leading WHO’s work on mental health in several areas such as policy and services, rights and advocacy, as well as implementing the WHO European Framework for Action in Mental Health 2021–2025 and supporting the pan-European Mental Health Coalition.
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Background:
Mental Health matters. Nevertheless, people with mental health conditions rarely get the help they need. Many people avoid disclosing a mental health condition because doing so often invites discrimination and stigma – they may lose their job or find it difficult to get hired, get deprioritised in housing queues, and even become alienated from friends and family.
Mental health services are under-funded and under-resourced: for the estimated 1 in 7 members of the European population who have a diagnosable mental health condition, governments on average allocate only about 3.0% of their healthcare budgets to mental health services. Also, there are only about 45 mental health workers for 100,000 people in the WHO European Region.
WHO launched the pan-European Mental Health Coalition in 2021 to unite everyone who is already enacting the phrase “mental health matters”, whether they be healthcare professionals, academics, or people living with mental health conditions and their families. The coalition’s overarching aim is to create a space for sharing knowledge, wisdom, and experience in improving mental health at the individual, community, national, and international levels.
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The WHO Health For All Film Festival
The WHO Health for All Film Festival (HAFF) aims to harness a new generation of film and video innovators to champion global health issues, inviting independent film makers, production companies, NGOs, communities, students, and film schools from around the world to submit their original short films about health. In its fourth edition of 2023, there was a strong showing for mental health by European filmmakers as HAFF received hundreds of submissions from all over the world, competing in the Universal Health Coverage, Health Emergencies, Better Health and Well-being, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, Climate Change and Health, and Very Short Film categories. Since 2020, the Health for All Film Festival has gathered more than 4,300 submissions from 110 countries.
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About the World Health Organization:
Founded in 1948, the World Health Organization is the United Nations agency that connects nations, partners, and people to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve the vulnerable – so everyone, everywhere can attain the highest level of health. Dedicated to the well-being of all people and guided by science, WHO leads and champions global efforts to give everyone, everywhere an equal chance to live a healthy life.

UN City Career Day
2023-10-25 12:00 - 17:30 | UN City, Marmorvej 51, Copenhagen, 2100, Denmark
Join us for Career Day in UN City to explore career opportunities in the United Nations & network with HR professionals from UN agencies.

UN City Copenhagen invites you to come and learn about the UN job market, recruitment processes, career journeys, competency-based interviews, as well as to meet and speak with HR professionals from the resident UN agencies. Whether you are a university student exploring post-graduate opportunities or a seasoned professional looking for a new role in the UN system, this career seminar is for you.
Join us for one of three 90-minute sessions – to chat with HR representatives, as well as hear their advice on:

How to navigate the UN job market – learn about agency mandates, field & HQ locations, different entry points and job trends
What a UN recruitment process typically looks like
Career journeys and real-life experiences
How to prepare and deliver a convincing competency-based interview
The main contract modalities across UN agencies

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Please bring a valid photo-ID to get through security at UN City and set aside time for the security check prior to the event.
Please note that it is only possible to attend one session.
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REGISTER VIA EVENTBRITE
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Programme:
Session 1:
12:00–12:45 Presentations
12:45–13:30 Meet the UN agencies
13:30 Closing of session 1 & departure
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Session 2:
14:00–14:45 Presentations
14:45–15:30 Meet the UN agencies
15:30 Closing of session 2 & departure
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Session 3:
16:00–16:45 Presentations
16:45–17:30 Meet the UN agencies
17:30 Closing of session 3 & departure

Women and Adolescent Girls as Key Actors in Climate Action
2023-10-27 12:30 - 15:00 | UN City, Marmorvej 51, Copenhagen, 2100, Denmark
Women and adolescent girls as key actors in climate action!
How do we ensure that women and adolescent girls get the opportunity to use their insights and experiences from the local context to take a lead in climate action?
How do we ensure that women are placed solidly at the centre of climate action?
How do we ensure that women get real opportunities to make their own choices and to access rights and justice for themselves and for the coming generations?
This conference gathers researchers, activists and policymakers to discuss concrete actions leading to climate justice, gender equality and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).
Come to UN City and hear from Dan Jørgensen, Minister for Development Cooperation and Global Climate Policy; Zainab Yunusa, Climate justice advocate; Mette Boye, Conservation Director at WWF Verdensnaturfonden; Sally Dijkerman, researcher at IPAS; Ulla Müller, Director of UNFPA Nordic Office; Torben Huss, CEO at IFU; Marianne Bigum, MP, and others! The conference is moderated by Heather McMulllen.
REGISTER HERE TO SAVE YOUR SPOT
Organised by UNFPA, the UN Sexual and Reproductive Health Agency, Sex & Samfund, and WWF Verdensnaturfonden.
Lunch will be served!
Please arrive early for the security check and remember to bring your photo ID.

Soldiers and Citizens: Military coups and Africa's Democratic Renewal
2023-10-30 09:00 - 10:15 | UN City, Marmorvej 51, Copenhagen, 2100, Denmark
The Sahel and West Africa region is fast being referred to as constituting a new ‘coup belt’, after experiencing a resurgence in unconstitutional changes of government in recent years. The recent military coups in Niger and Gabon, following events in Burkina Faso, Mali, Sudan, and Guinea, underline a crucial need to delve deeper into the root socio-economic causes behind this alarming trend. UNDP’s new report Soldiers and Citizens: Military coups and Africa’s democratic renewal, explores these issues, emphasizing insecurity, economic stagnation, exclusionary governance, and low development indicators as coup risk factors.

UNDP is pleased to invite you to a presentation of the main findings of the report followed by a panel debate with distinguished experts discussing actionable insights on causes and solutions, with a focus on prioritizing development for lasting stability and coup resilience, beyond sanctions and military interventions.
PROGRAMME
Moderator: Fatma Ahmed, Specialist, UNDP Africa Facility to Support Inclusive Transitions
9:00 Welcome remarks by Henrik Fredborg Larsen, Director, UNDP Nordic Representation Office
9:05 Opening speech by Ketil Karlsen, Director, Department for Africa and Development Policy, Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs
9:10 Presentation of the key findings of the report, Jide Martyns Okeke, PhD, Regional Programme Coordinator for Africa, UNDP
9:30 Panel discussion / Q&A
• Thomas Mandrup, Associate Professor and PhD, The Royal Danish Defence College
• Ketil Karlsen, Director, Department for Africa and Development Policy, Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Jide Martyns Okeke, PhD, Regional Programme Coordinator for Africa, UNDP
10:10 Closing Remarks

REGISTRATION
You may register to join the event via Eventbrite here.

Resilience Amid Armed Conflict: The Journey of Ukrainian Commissioner of HR
2023-11-06 18:00 - 19:00 | UN City, Marmorvej 51, Copenhagen, 2100, Denmark
The Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights (UPCHR) operates within the multifaceted challenges of an ongoing international armed conflict in Ukraine. Given the war’s escalation, safeguarding the rights of the increasingly vulnerable Ukrainian population, notably prisoners of war, internally displaced persons, and refugees, has been paramount. The UPCHR prioritizes their protection to ensure they have access to essential services, currently extending its reach to 25 regions, refining case management processes, enhancing human rights education programs, and exploring varied funding sources. The Commissioner’s overarching objective remains steadfast: to guarantee comprehensive human rights protection, demonstrating resilience and adaptability amidst these complex circumstances.
The Ombudsman of Ukraine, Dmytro Lubinets, in collaboration with the Danish Institute for Human Rights, UNDP, OHCHR and ENNHRI, invite you to a discussion that will offer insights into, and explore measures for enhancing the roles of NHRIs under the challenging conditions of armed conflict through examples of the work of the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, Northern Ireland Commission for Human Rights, and other NHRIs present in the event.

PROGRAMME
18:00-18:05 Welcome remarks by Mette Thygesen, International Director, Danish Institute for Human Rights (Moderator)
18:05-18:10 Opening speech by Sarah Rattray, UNDP Senior Advisor on Human Rights
18:10-18:30 Keynote: “Resilience Amid Armed Conflict: The Journey of the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights”, by Dmytro Lubinets, Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights
18:30-18:45 Insights on NHRIs’ roles in times of conflict: Moderated panel reflections
• Alyson Kilpatrick, Northern Ireland Chief Commissioner for Human Rights
• Peter Vedel Kessing, Senior Researcher, Danish Institute for Human Rights
• Christian Salazar Volkmann, Director of the Field Operations and Technical Cooperation Division, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
18:45-19:00 Discussion/Q&A
19:00 Closing remarks

The event is open and free for all but please register your participation via Eventbrite here.

docUNight: Climate Exodus
2023-11-23 17:00 - 19:30 | UN City, Marmorvej 51, Copenhagen, 2100, Denmark
Join us for a special screening of the documentary ‘Climate Exodus’. The film shows the tragedy of three women who have lost everything due to climate change and now emigrate to start a new life. Lobuin struggles every day to find the last water supply so that she can survive in Kenya. Nazma lost her crop in Ghoramara, India, due to the sea level change. Tornadoes and violent hurricanes punish the Saint Martin Island in the Caribbean, where Vanesa has lost her house and her neighbours their lives.
Run time: 52 minutes
Language: Original with English subtitles
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Register to save your spot here
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Coffee and gløgg will be available (free of charge) before and after the event.
Snacks and cold drinks will be available for purchase before the event.
Please bring a valid photo-ID to get through security at UN City and set aside time for the security check prior to the event.
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Programme:
17:00 Welcome and introduction to COP28: A good COP or bad COP coming? by John Christensen, Director of UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre
17:10 ‘Underfinanced. Underprepared – Inadequate investment and planning on climate adaptation leaves world exposed’ by Henry Neufeldt, Chief Scientific Editor, UNEP’s Adaptation Gap Report, UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre
17:20: Screening of ‘Climate Exodus’
18:20: Panel discussion and Q&A
• Frode Neergaard, Chief Advisor, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Denmark
• Jingjing Gao, Impact and Adaptation Scientist, UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre
• Nadia Gullestrup Christensen, Chairperson of the Youth Climate Council
19:00: Closing of the event and networking
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Background:
Progress on climate adaptation is slowing on all fronts when it should be accelerating to catch up with rising climate change impacts and risks. The 2023 UNEP Adaptation Gap Report, published in early November, showed that adaptation finance needs of developing countries are 10–18 times as big as international public finance flows, and over 50% higher than previously thought.
As a result of the growing adaptation finance needs and faltering flows, the current adaptation finance gap is now estimated to be 194–366 billion USD per year.
Failure to adapt to the climate crisis has massive implications for people and societies, especially the most vulnerable populations.
‘Climate Exodus’ shows us some of the personal stories behind the huge numbers and the loss inflicted by three women due to climate change.
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About UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre:
UNEP Copenhagen Climate is a leading international advisory institution on energy, climate, and sustainable development. Its work focuses on assisting developing countries and emerging economies transition towards more low-carbon development paths and supports integration of climate resilience in national development.
Learn more about UNEP-CCC here.

Reimagining Safety: Advancing Gender-Responsive Policing to Strengthen Responses to Gender-Based Violence
2023-12-04 13:30 - 15:30 | UN City, Marmorvej 51, Copenhagen, 2100, Denmark
Reimagining Safety: Advancing Gender-Responsive Policing to Strengthen Responses to Gender-Based Violence
Join UN Women, the Nordic Council of Ministers for Gender Equality and LGBTI (MR-JÄM), and Danner during 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence for discussions on Gender-Responsive Policing.
4 December 2023, 14:00 – 15:30 CET, UN City Copenhagen.
16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual campaign led by civil society to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls. The campaign is supported by the United Nations through the Secretary General’s UNiTE by 2030 to End Violence against Women initiative.
For this 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence event, we are gathering civil society, parliamentarians, Nordic law enforcement practitioners and Ministers to discuss the strengthening of the justice sector response, particularly that of law enforcement, to crimes of Violence Against Women and Girls. Through panel discussions, we aim to explore good practices and advancing commitments to end violence against women and girls through gender-responsive policing.
We look forward to welcoming you to a frank discussion in UN City on Monday, 4 December!
Register your participation here
Please note that there is a limited number of seats.
Where: Atlantic Lounge Area, UN City, Marmorvej 51, 2100 København Ø.
Please make sure to bring a valid photo ID for the registration and security check. Kindly allow sufficient time for the security check upon arrival.

The Future of Human Rights
2023-12-12 15:00 - 16:30 | UN City, Marmorvej 51, Copenhagen, 2100, Denmark
This year, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights marks its 75th anniversary. The milestone arrives amidst a new wave of violent conflicts and political unrest, intensified impacts of climate change, a rise in the use of artificial intelligence, a recent pandemic, and the most notable reversal in human development in 30 years. These challenges have put human rights under unprecedented pressure since their adoption 75 years ago.
Following International Human Rights Day on 10 December, join us for ‘The Future of Human Rights‘ opening event to the Human Rights Week in UN City.
The event will feature speeches and discussions with decision-makers, experts, and activists on the determining power of human rights for the well-being and safety of people and the planet.
It will also unveil a photo exhibition showcasing human rights milestones from the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948 to the present day.
The event is co-organised by UN City, UNDP, and the Danish Institute for Human Rights.
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Please bring a valid photo-ID to get through security at UN City and set aside time for the security check prior to the event.
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Register to save your spot here
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PROGRAMME
15:00 Welcome by Henrik Fredborg Larsen (Director, UNDP Nordic Office)
15:05 Opening Remarks by Vibeke Pasternak Jørgensen (Under-Secretary for Legal Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark)
15:10 Keynote by Prof. David Kaye (former UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Opinion)
15:30 Discussions: How Will Human Rights Determine Our Future?

Human Rights and Climate – Role of the Courts by Sune Fugleholm (Lawyer, Poul Schmith)
The Rights of Man or Mankind? by Mary Consolata Namagame (Activist, Founder of She for She)
Safeguarding our Social Contract by Rights by Manilla Ghafuri (Chairperson of Rapolitics, Winner of the Human Rights Award 2022)

15:45 Reflections by MP Christian Friis Bach and MP Sascha Faxe
16:00 Panel Debate and Q&A with MPs and Presenters
16:25 Closing Remarks by Louise Holck (Director, Danish Institute of Human Rights)
Moderator: Jakob Sheikh
16:30–17:30 Reception and Launch of Photo Exhibition ‘Turning Points: 75 Years of Human Rights – Capturing Memories and Milestones‘

docUNight: Life Is Beautiful
2023-12-13 17:15 - 19:15 | UN City, Marmorvej 51, Copenhagen, 2100, Denmark
Join us for an exclusive docUNight screening of the new Palestinian documentary film ‘Life Is Beautiful‘.
The screening of the film is co-organised by UN City, UNDP, and International Media Support (IMS) to mark the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and to shed light, among other things, on the key interplay between human rights and legal rights, and the value of rule of law.
About the Film:
A young Palestinian director, Mohamed Jabaly, is visiting a film festival in Tromsø in 2014 when the borders to Gaza close. He finds himself stuck in the arctic winter. Little does he know that it will be seven years before he can see his family again.
While waiting for the situation to change, Mohamed’s friends back home tell him to seek asylum or get married to stay in Norway. But Mohamed refuses to give up his Palestinian identity and insists on being recognised for his work. After being denied a work permit after several appeals, despite his film Ambulance gaining international success, he decides to take his case to court backed by a growing group of supporters.
As this unfolds, Mohamed lives a parallel life online, staying connected with family in Gaza. They provide solace, but when Gaza is attacked again, Mohamed experiences the pain of being separated from his loved ones and is faced with an impossible choice: if he goes back to Gaza, he may never be able to leave again and continue his work as an acclaimed film director, sharing his stories with the world.
Life is Beautiful is a story of overcoming a life put on hold by international politics and rigid bureaucracy, told from the inside by a director who uses all his creativity to connect with the world and forge a way forward.
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Run time: 1h 30min
Language: Arabic, Norwegian, English (with English subtitles)
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Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase before the event between 16:15–17:15.
Please bring a valid photo-ID to get through security at UN City and set aside time for the security check prior to the event. Please note that the check-in will close at 17:05.
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Register to save your spot here
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Programme:
17:15 Welcome by moderator, Flemming Johannesen (Head of UN City Communications)
17:20: Screening of ‘Life Is Beautiful’ (1h 30min)
18:50: Remarks by Henrik Fredborg Larsen (Director of the UNDP Nordic Office)
18:55: Interview with filmmaker & director, Mohamed Jabaly
19:15: Closing of the event
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About the 75th Anniversary of the Adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights:
For 75 years, the core ambition of the Declaration has been to infuse societies with equality, fundamental freedoms, and justice. It enshrines the rights of all human beings and is a global blueprint for international, national, and local laws and policies and a bedrock of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In 2023, we commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
On Human Rights Day, 10 December 2023, we will celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Declaration, a milestone celebration called Human Rights 75 (HR 75). Human Rights Day will capture all the moments from this year’s commemoration and seeks to increase knowledge on the universality and indivisibility of human rights, especially among young people, inspire people to create a movement of shared humanity while empowering them to fight for their rights and take action.
About the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP):
As the United Nations lead agency on international development, UNDP works in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality. UNDP helps countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities, and to build resilience to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. UNDP’s work is concentrated in three focus areas: sustainable development, democratic governance and peace building, and climate and disaster resilience.
Learn more about UNDP here.
About International Media Support (IMS):
International Media Support is the largest media development organisation in the Nordic region. IMS works in more than 30 countries across four continents promoting press freedom, good journalism, and safety for journalists. The work of IMS is based on long-term engagements tailoured to the local country contexts in which IMS seeks to make a difference and always in partnership with local and international media actors.
Learn more about IMS here.

docUNight: FLEE
2023-12-14 17:00 - 19:30 | UN City, Marmorvej 51, Copenhagen, 2100, Denmark
Join us for a special docUNight screening of the Oscar-nominated, animated documentary film ‘Flee’. The film tells the extraordinary true story of a man, Amin, on the verge of marriage, which compels him to reveal his hidden past for the first time.
Amin Nawabi, a 36-year-old high-achieving academic, grapples with a painful secret he has kept hidden for 20 years, the story of his journey as a child refugee from Afghanistan. This traumatic past threatens to derail the life he has built for himself and his soon to be husband. Recounted mostly through animation to the director, he tells the story of his extraordinary journey as a child refugee from Afghanistan for the first time.
An international co-production with Denmark, France, Norway, and Sweden, the film is directed by Danish filmmaker Jonas Poher Rasmussen; with Riz Ahmed and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau serving as executive producerrs and narrators for the English version. ‘Flee’ had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in 2021 and it was also screened at the 2021 Toronto International Film Festival and the 2021 New York Film Festival.
Run time: 1h 29min
Language: English
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Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase before the event between 16:00–17:00.
Please bring a valid photo-ID to get through security at UN City and set aside time for the security check prior to the event. Please note that the check-in will close at 16:50.
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Register to save your spot here
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Programme:
17:00 Welcome by moderator, Flemming Johannesen (Head of UN City Communications)
17:10: Screening of ‘Flee’ (1h 29min)
18:40: Panel discussion and Q&A
• Jonas Poher Rasmussen (Danish filmmaker & Director of ‘Flee’)
• Nicholas Chisha (Board Member and Spokesperson for LGBT Asylum)
• Yanaba Mompremier Rymark Sankoh (Secretary General at LGBT Asylum)
• Barbara Rijks (Sub-Regional Coordinator for the Nordic Countries, IOM – the International Organization for Migration)
• Yolande Ditewig (Deputy Representative for Nordic and Baltic Countries, UNHCR – the UN Refugee Agency)
19:30: Closing of the event
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About International Migrants Day:
Created to celebrate migrants, to advocate for their rights, and to encourage the international community to work together to harness the power of migration, International Migrants Day takes place every year on 18 December.
For this year’s International Migrants Day, the IOM Sub-Regional Office for the Nordic Countries and the UNHCR Northern Europe Office have joined together to raise awareness about migration in all its facets.
Throughout history, people have been on the move, and, in today’s interconnected and globalised world, migration is part of the everyday fabric of our society. Migration can provide solutions to global challenges, such as labour shortages, adapting to the impacts of climate change, or providing better economic opportunities for communities.
The power of one person to make a difference cannot be underestimated. Each person can be an agent of change for their community and help to create opportunities for others. From migrants themselves to United Nations personnel, from host community members to the diaspora, we can all inspire others to act today. Partnerships are at the heart of unlocking the promise of migration.
Every one of us can play a part.
About the International Organization for Migration (IOM):
Established in 1951, IOM is the leading intergovernmental organisation in the field of migration and works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM works to help ensure the orderly and humane management of migration to promote international cooperation on migration issues, to assist in the search for practical solutions to migration problems and to provide humanitarian assistance to migrants in need, including refugees and internally displaced people.
Learn more about IOM here.
About UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency:
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is a global organisation dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights and building a better future for people forced to flee their homes because of conflict and persecution. UNHCR leads international action to protect refugees, forcibly displaced communities and stateless people. UNHCR’s vision is a world where every person forced to flee can build a better future.
Learn more about UNHCR here.

CPH:DOX x docUNight: 'The Walk' Screening & Discussion
2024-03-18 17:00 - 19:30 | UN City, Marmorvej 51, Copenhagen, 2100, Denmark
Join us for a special CPH:DOX x docUNight screening of the documentary film ‘The Walk’, which reveals the story of Asil, a young Syrian refugee, as she processes the trauma of losing her family and home. Watch as her story gives voice to a gigantic puppet named Amal – representing the millions of migrant and displaced children in a walk from the Syrian border in Türkiye across Europe. Escorted and animated by a group of puppeteers who are themselves refugees, Amal’s epic journey is one of compassion, discovery, and hope.
With this year’s CPH:DOX theme centred around the ‘body’, dive into a discussion on the many bodies travelling across borders as a consequence of conflict, climate change, persecution, and more with:
• Maja Lazic – Deputy Head of the Joint Data Centre on Forced Displacement, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency
• Manilla Ghafuri – Chairperson of Rapolitics, recipient of the Institute for Human Rights’ Human Rights Award (2022), and former refugee from Afghanistan
• Anders Ladekarl – Secretary General of the Red Cross in Denmark
• and Jakob Sheikh – Head of Communication and Engagement at the Danish Institute for Human Rights as moderator.
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Programme
17:00 Welcome by Flemming Johannesen (Head of UN City Communications)
17:10 Screening of ‘The Walk’ (79 mins, in Arabic with English subtitles)
18:30 Panel Discussion and Q&A
19:15 End of event
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SAVE YOUR SPOT
Save your spot by purchasing a ticket via the CPH:DOX website at: https://cphdox.dk/film/the-walk/.
If you would like a guided tour of UN City Copenhagen prior to the screening, save your spot by purchasing a tour+screening ticket at: https://cphdox.dk/live-event/tour-of-un-city-copenhagen-the-walk/.

docUNight: BORDERLANDS
2024-06-04 17:30 - 19:00 | UN City, Marmorvej 51, Copenhagen, 2100, Denmark
Join us for a special docUNight screening of ‘Borderlands’ – a profound visual exploration of life in Africa’s borderland regions, where 270 million people navigate daily challenges with unique resilience and innovation.
African border regions are often characterised by conflict, limited state presence, marginalisation, and lack of access to basic services and opportunities. However, these areas also hold significant potential for innovation, trade, and sustainable development. They are hubs of creativity and local solutions to some of today’s global crises.
In exploring individual stories from across Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Uganda, Nigeria, Niger, Benin, and Cameroon, the film reveals the realities of borderland life, where survival and adaptation are intertwined with efforts to maintain cultural identity and foster economic growth. More than a documentary, ‘Borderlands’ serves to bring the stories of borderland communities to an international audience, fostering action, influencing policy, and rallying resources for inclusive, sustainable development.
Produced by the UNDP Africa Borderlands Centre, through vivid storytelling and intimate portrayals, ‘Borderlands’ reveals how inhabitants of these regions are crafting sustainable futures against a backdrop of socio-economic and environmental challenges – underscoring the importance of solidarity and shared responsiblity in fostering sustainable development across the continent.
Run time: 53min
Language: English
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Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase before the event between 16:30–17:30.
Please bring a valid photo-ID to get through security at UN City and set aside time for the security check prior to the event. Please note that the check-in will open at 16:30 and close at 17:20. Please reserve each ticket under each person’s name (i.e., due to the security check, please do not book tickets under your name for someone else).
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Register to save your spot here
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Programme:
17:30 Welcome by moderator
17:35: Screening of ‘Borderlands’ (53min)
18:30: Interview and Q&A
• Temidayo Ibitoye (Director & Producer of the ‘Borderlands’ documentary)
• Kehinde Bolaji (Project Manager, UNDP Africa Borderlands Centre)
Moderator: Mette Fjalland (Partnerships Specialist, UNDP Nordic Representation Office)
19:00: Closing of the event
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About Borderlands:
Designed to bring to light the distinct dynamics of border regions across the African continent, the ‘Borderlands’ documentary delves into the rich cultural diversity and significant socio-economic potential of these areas. Despite facing unique challenges, through its engaging storytelling and on-the-ground narratives, illuminates the lives, resilience, and possibilities that dwell within these diverse communities.
About the UNDP Africa Borderlands Centre:
Dedicated to research, advocacy, and policy development, the Africa Borderlands Centre focuses on the continent’s borderland regions, emphasising their importance in achieving peace, security, and development across Africa.
The Africa Borderlands’ Centre (2021–2025) was established in 2020 as a specialised centre that treats border regions as distinct economic and political zones in their own right. The Borderlands Centre offers specialised, expert knowledge and technical advice that will enable the better design, implementation, and adaptation of development programmes for border regions across Africa. Its knowledge and innovation products will support borderland communities, national governments, inter-governmental agencies, UNDP country offices, UN agencies, development partners and other key stakeholders in addressing complex development challenges.
Learn more about the UNDP Africa Borderlands Centre here.
About the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP):
As the lead United Nations agency on international development, UNDP works in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality.
UNDP’s work is centred around six core development areas: poverty and inequality, governance, resilience, environment, energy, and gender equality.
UNDP helps countries develop policies, leadership skills, partnerships and institutional capabilities to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. UNDP advocates for change, and connects countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life.
Learn more about UNDP here.

docUNight: Mediha
2024-08-20 17:00 - 20:00 | UN City, Marmorvej 51, Copenhagen, 2100, Denmark
Join us for the screening of the documentary film ‘Mediha’, which sheds light on the atrocities faced by the Yazidi community, where men are executed, women are sold into slavery, and children are indoctrinated into the Islamic State.
On 3 August 2014, Islamic State (IS) militants attacked and took over Sinjar in Northern Iraq, a Kurdish-controlled area that was predominantly inhabited by Yazidis, initiating the genocidal campaign against the Yazidis and other religious minorities.
In commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the tragic event, join IOM Denmark, in collaboration with the Êzidi Cultural Association in Denmark, Mission East, and the Central Council of Yazidis in Germany (ZED) for a screening of the documentary film ‘Mediha’ – a candid glimpse into the life of a 15-year-old Iraqi girl who navigates various challenges after being rescued from ISIL captivity. Let us dive into a conversation on the humanitarian and development issues in Iraq and the current security situation for the Yazidis.
Date: Tuesday, 20 August 2024, 17:00–20:00
Location: UN City, Copenhagen, Marmorvej 51, Copenhagen
Snacks and drinks will be served free of charge and additional refreshments will be available for purchase.
Please bring a valid photo-ID to get through security at UN City and set aside time for the security check prior to the event. Please do not book tickets for someone else under your name due to the security check upon entry to UN City.
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REGISTRATION
Please click here to save your free spot.
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Programme
17:00 Word of welcome by a representative of the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (TBC)
17:10 Screening of the documentary film ‘Mediha’ (1h 30 mins; original with English subtitles)
18:40 Panel discussion ‘10 years on, what have we learned?’ moderated by Julie Lindegaard
19:50 Closing by Bahzad Mourad, the Êzidi Cultural Association in Denmark

docUNight: Big Water
2024-09-12 17:30 - 20:30 | UN City, Marmorvej 51, Copenhagen, 2100, Denmark
Join us for a docUNight in UN City Copenhagen, featuring a screening of the documentary ‘Big Water‘ – a film capturing the realities and narratives of those being/operating in Ukraine and conflict zones.
The documentary film ‘Big Water’ spotlights the tireless efforts of the Environmental State Service representatives in Ukraine to document the aftermath of the Kakhovka dam explosion and the scale of the damages.
It follows several key figures who retrieve bodies of the dead from the floodwaters, sail through dangerous water to collect potentially poisonous water samples and ensure that residents have access to drinking water.
The documentary delves into the personal and professional struggles of those who are not only tasked with uncovering the truth but are also victims of the disaster themselves.
Date: Thursday, 12 September 17:30-20:30 CEST
Location: UN City, Copenhagen, Marmorvej 51, Copenhagen
Refreshments will be available for purchase.
Please bring a valid photo-ID to get through security at UN City and set aside time for the security check prior to the event. Please do not book tickets for someone else under your name due to the security check upon entry to UN City.
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REGISTRATION
Please click here to reserve your spot.
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Programme
17:30 Word of welcome by moderator, Head of UN City Communications, Noa Valentin Katz Søgaard
17:35 Keynote by Under-Secretary-General and UNOPS Executive Director, Jorge Moreira da Silva
17:45 Film screening of ‘Big Water’ (39min)
18:55 Panel discussion and Q&A with Tim Lardner (Director, Europe and Central Asia Region, UNOPS), Dr Flemming Splidsboel Hansen (Senior Researcher, Danish Institute for International Studies) and Nataliya Popovych (Co-founder and Chairperson, Ukraine House in Denmark).
19:40 Reception
20:30 End of event

docUNight: Bread & Roses
2024-11-26 17:00 - 20:00 | UN City, Marmorvej 51, Copenhagen, 2100, Denmark
Join us for a docUNight in UN City Copenhagen featuring the upcoming documentary ‘Bread & Roses’ – a film capturing the plight of Afghan women and girls 3 years after Taliban’s takeover, highlighting the pervasive impacts of discriminatory policies on their lives.
Produced by Sahra Mani, Jennifer Lawrence, Malala Yousafzai, Justine Ciarrocchi, and Farhad Khosravi, ‘Bread & Roses’ offers a powerful window into the seismic impact that the fall of Kabul to the Taliban in 2021 had on women’s rights and livelihoods.
As part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, join us in fostering dialogue about violence against women in Afghanistan, their challenges and needs.
When: Tuesday, 26 November 2024, 17:00 – 20:00
Run time: 90 minutes
Language: English and Arabic (with English subtitles)
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Please bring a valid photo-ID to get through security at UN City and set aside time for the security check prior to the event.
Please note that the check-in will open at 16:00 and close at 16:50.
Please DO NOT book tickets under your name for someone else – please reserve each ticket under each person’s name due to the security check upon entry to UN City.
Refreshments (soft drinks and snacks) will be available for purchase between 16:00–17:00. Please note that it is not allowed to bring your own food to UN City with the exception of water bottles.
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REGISTRATION
Please click here to save your free spot.
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Programme
17:00 Welcome Remarks

Barbara Rijks – Sub-regional Coordinator for the Nordic Countries, IOM (International Organization for Migration)
Caroline Rusten – Chief of Public Partnerships & Director of the Nordic Liaison Office, UN Women

17:10 Screening of ‘Bread & Roses’
18:40 Panel Discussion: ‘Fighting the Erasure of Women in Afghanistan’

Sahra Mani – Director of ‘Bread & Roses’
Khalida Popal – Founder & Director of the Girl Power Organization and Programme & Event Director of Afghanistan’s Women’s National Football Team
moderated by Noa Valentin Katz Søgaard – Head of UN City Communications

19:30 Closing Remarks

Ulla Müller – Director of the UNFPA Nordic Representation Office

19:40 End of event

docUNight: Until He's Back
2025-06-03 17:00 - 19:00
Join us for a docUNight in UN City Copenhagen featuring the documentary ‘Until He’s Back‘ – a film capturing the plight of migrants along their dangerous journey across the Mediterranean Sea.
Through interweaving stories, the documentary offers a powerful window into the challenges that migrants face and the difficulty of returning the bodies of those who drown at sea.
Since 2014, the International Organization for Migration (IOM)’s Missing Migrants Project has registered at least 25,500 deaths and disappearances during the Mediterranean crossing, making the Central Mediterranean route the deadliest migration route in the world.
In the panel debate following the film screening, hear what experts from IOM, the UN Network on Migration, and the University of Copenhagen have to say about migration issues in the Mediterranean and how the international community can mobilise to save lives at sea.
Run time: 40 minutes
Language: Spanish and Arabic (with English subtitles)
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REGISTRATION
Please click here to save your free spot.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Please bring a valid photo-ID to get through security at UN City and set aside time for the security check prior to the event.
Please note that the check-in will open at 16:00 and close at 16:50. It will not be possible to enter UN City after this time.
Please DO NOT book tickets under your name for someone else – please reserve each ticket under each person’s name due to the security check upon entry to UN City.
Refreshments (soft drinks and snacks) will be available for purchase between 16:00–17:00. Please note that it is not allowed to bring your own food to UN City with the exception of water bottles.
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Programme
16:00 Informal reception with refreshments
17:00 Welcome Remarks
17:10 Screening of ‘Until He’s Back’
17:50 Interview with the film director

Jacqueline Baylon – Director of ‘Until He’s Back’

18:15 Panel Discussion: ‘Missing Migrants and Deaths in the Mediterranean Sea’

Anja Simonsen – Associate Professor, Department of Anthropology, University of Copenhagen
Julia Black – Senior Project Officer at IOM’s Global Migration Data Analysis Centre in Berlin
Katherine Barwise – Senior Programme Manager in the Secretariat of the United Nations Network on Migration in Geneva
moderated by Noa Valentin Katz Søgaard – Head of UN City Communications

19:00 End of event
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About the Film:
After learning that his son, Yahya, has died at sea trying to get to Spain, Ahmed Tchiche must find a way to bring his remains back to Morocco so that he and his family can have a proper goodbye. A Spanish mortician, an NGO worker, and an established Moroccan immigrant living in Spain all struggle to help Ahmed get his son’s body home.
Through interweaving threads, ‘Until He’s Back’ explores a dangerous journey across the Mediterranean and the difficulty of returning the bodies of those who drown at sea. In this story of grief and hope, a family and a community try to make sense of the tragedy that took Yahya away.
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About the Interview and Panel Discussion:
At least 8,938 people died on migration routes worldwide in 2024, making it the deadliest year on record, according to the latest data collected by IOM. Of those, 2,452 deaths were documented in the Mediterranean Sea. With a group of migration experts, the panel will analyse the dynamics & trends as well as the social & political consequences of the deaths of migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean on their way to Europe. We will delve into migration data, search and rescue in the Mediterranean, policy recommendations to save lives and more.
About Jacqueline Baylon:
Jacqueline is a Mexican filmmaker whose work focuses on human rights injustices and immigration stories from different corners of the world. She covers stories such as the accusations against Turkey for cutting water supplies in northeast Syria, the experiences of protesting as an undocumented immigrant in the United States, and the harrowing reality of the oxygen supply crisis in Peru during the pandemic. She has worked for news organisations across the U.S., including The New York Times. She currently produces and directs documentaries.
About Anja Simonsen:
Anja Simonsen is an Associate Professor at the University of Copenhagen, Department of Anthropology. She was awarded the Carlsberg Foundation Internationalisation Fellowship with the project ‘The Criminalisation of Humanitarianism: From Volunteers to Human Smugglers in Italy’. From 2025 to 2029, Anja is working as Principal Investigator for the ‘Social Life of Dead Bodies: A new ethnographic approach to migrant deaths in and around the Mediterranean Sea’ (SOLID) funded by the European Research Council, exploring the social life of deceased migrants in and around the Mediterranean Sea by bringing together forensic, social, economic, humanitarian, and political actors and perspectives on the same unidentified bodies of deceased migrants.
About Julia Black:
Julia Black is a Project Officer at the International Organization for Migration (IOM), where she has coordinated the Missing Migrants Project for nearly a decade. Based at IOM’s data centre in Berlin, Julia has led work to build up the only public-access database on deaths and disappearances on migration routes worldwide. She is frequently cited in the media advocating for an end to migrant deaths through the provision of safe, legal routes for people on the move. More broadly, Julia’s work deals with irregular migration, migrant rights, and data collection on hard-to-reach populations.
About Katherine Barwise:
Katy Barwise is the Senior Programme Manager at the Secretariat of the United Nations Network on Migration (UNNM) in Geneva, where she is responsible for coordinating the capacity building mechanism of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM). In this role, she facilitates UN system-wide support to governments to action the GCM, working closely with governments, civil society, and other stakeholders.
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Special Exhibition:
From 2–13 June 2025, a symbolic and immersive installation will transform data from the Missing Migrants Project (MMP) into a powerful visual narrative at UN City Copenhagen, highlighting the urgent need for safe, regular migration. Using the power of art and data, the exhibition amplifies the voices of those lost to irregular migration, fostering a deeper emotional connection and encouraging decisive action to create safer migration pathways​ The installation features 5,500+ roses, each representing a missing migrant in 2024 (January–September). The roses are 3D printed from compostable bioplastic (PLA) and are colour-coded by region, representing the proportions of missing migrants from the 6 regions monitored by the MMP.
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About the Missing Migrants Project and the UN Network on Migration:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM)’s Missing Migrants Project tracks deaths of migrants, including refugees and asylum-seekers, who have gone missing along mixed migration routes worldwide. The research behind this project began with the October 2013 tragedies, when at least 368 individuals died in two shipwrecks near the Italian island of Lampedusa. Since then, the Missing Migrants Project has developed into an important hub and advocacy source of information that media, researchers, and the general public access for the latest information.
The United Nations Network on Migration (UNNM) supports Member States in the implementation, follow-up, and review of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. The Network has been established to ensure effective, timely, and coordinated system-wide support to Member States.
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About IOM:
Established in 1951, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is the leading intergovernmental organisation in the field of migration and is committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society.
IOM supports migrants across the world, developing effective responses to the shifting dynamics of migration and, as such, is a key source of advice on migration policy and practice. The organisation works in emergency situations, developing the resilience of all people on the move, and particularly those in situations of vulnerability, as well as building capacity within governments to manage all forms and impacts of mobility.
Denmark has been a member state of IOM since 1954. In 2024, the office became a Country Office for Partnership and Advocacy and a Coordination Function, leading IOM’s liaison and coordination with strategic partners in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. This enables IOM to strengthen collaboration with and between partners in the Nordic countries on areas of mutual interest and increase their knowledge and understanding of IOM’s strategies and work globally.
About UN City Copenhagen:
UN City Copenhagen is a hub for the Sustainable Development Goals. It comprises 2 campuses. Campus 1 on Marmormolen opened in July 2013 and today houses 10 UN organisations with 1,700+ staff members from 100+ different countries. Campus 2, located in the container port in the Northern Harbour of Copenhagen, constitutes UNICEF’s state-of-the-art high bay warehouse. With a total storage capacity of 36,000 pallets, it is the largest humanitarian warehouse in the world.
UN City has become a hub where agencies can collaborate, share knowledge, and work with experts from different fields.
Learn more about UN City Copenhagen.

docUNight: Unmasking Influence
2025-10-14 17:30 - 19:30 | UN City, Marmorvej 51, Copenhagen, 2100, Denmark
Join us for a docUNight in UN City Copenhagen featuring the documentary film ‘Unmasking Influence’ to explore how powerful industries influence policy, science, and public health.
The documentary reveals industry tactics and their human cost. A panel of experts and advocates will connect the film’s themes to alcohol – a leading risk for ill health among people in Europe – and explore solutions to protect health.
Alcohol consumption causes nearly 800,000 deaths annually in the WHO European Region, linked to cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and injuries. Despite strong evidence for effective solutions, industry influence often delays action. We will shed light on the tactics at play, the human impact, and the proven policies that can save lives.
Run time: 55 minutes
Language: English
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Please bring a valid photo-ID to get through security at UN City and set aside time for the security check prior to the event.
Please note that the check-in will open at 16:30 and close at 17:20. It will not be possible to enter UN City after this time.
Please DO NOT book tickets under your name for someone else – please reserve each ticket under each person’s name due to the security check upon entry to UN City.
Refreshments (soft drinks and snacks) will be available for purchase between 16:30–17:30. Please note that it is not allowed to bring your own food to UN City with the exception of water bottles.
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Programme
17:30 Welcome Remarks by Aleksandra Olsen, WHO Europe
17:35 Screening of ‘Unmasking Influence’
18:30 Panel Discussion and Q&A

Mia Poulsen – young woman living with incurable breast cancer, advocate for alcohol and cancer awareness
Dr. May van Schwalkwyk – researcher at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), expert on commercial determinants of health, contributor to the documentary film
Prof. Mark Petticrew – director of the Commercial Determinants Research Group, LSHTM
Runa Neely – representative of Systembolaget, Sweden’s state alcohol monopoly
Dr. Carina Ferreira-Borges – WHO Regional Adviser on Alcohol, WHO Europe
Peter Debeljak – Directorate for Public Health, Ministry of Health, Slovenia
moderated by Aleksandra Olsen – Communications Officer, WHO Europe

19:20 Closing Remarks
19:30 End of event
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About the Film:
Unmasking Influence (Wildfire Collective with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM)) explores how commercial organisations shape science, policy, and public perception – and what action is needed to counter their influence.
The film takes viewers on a compelling journey through the lived experiences of researchers and advocates who have come to understand, often firsthand, the deeply embedded tactics commercial actors use to influence public health policy.
The film premiered at the Irish Film Institute as part of the Festival of Prevention in June 2025. It is produced by the Wildfire Collective with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM).
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About the World Health Organization (WHO):
The World Health Organization (WHO) is the United Nations specialised agency for health. The WHO Regional Office for Europe works with 53 Member States across the European Region to advance health and well-being for all, reduce health inequalities, and strengthen health systems. WHO/Europe provides evidence, policy advice, and technical assistance to tackle pressing public health challenges, including the commercial determinants of health, such as alcohol.
Learn more about WHO and WHO Europe.
About UN City Copenhagen:
UN City Copenhagen is a hub for the Sustainable Development Goals where UN agencies collaborate, share knowledge, and work with partners from across governments, the private sector, academia, youth networks, and civil society in the Nordics and around the world.
UN City comprises 2 campuses. Campus 1 on Marmormolen opened in July 2013 and houses 10 UN organisations with 1,700+ personnel from 100+ countries. Campus 2, located on Oceanvej, constitutes UNICEF’s Global Supply Hub – with a total storage capacity of 36,000 pallets, it is the largest humanitarian warehouse in the world.
Learn more about UN City Copenhagen.

docUNight: Smoke Sauna Sisterhood
2025-11-27 17:00 - 19:30 | UN City, Marmorvej 51, Copenhagen, 2100, Denmark
Book your spot here: Smoke Sauna Sisterhood

Join us for a docUNight in UN City Copenhagen featuring the documentary ‘Smoke Sauna Sisterhood‘.

Filmed in a UNESCO-listed traditional South Estonian smoke sauna, the documentary captures raw conversations among women as they share their most intimate stories of body image, desires, sexual violence, and resilience. The film portrays womanhood in its most vulnerable and natural form, as the women come together to heal both minds and bodies through the power of shared experiences and the rituals of the sacred smoke sauna. The documentary has received widespread acclaim, earning multiple awards, including the European Film Award for Best Documentary.
During this year’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, join us in fostering dialogue about gender-based violence through this raw portrait of womanhood.
This docUNight is co-hosted by UN Women (the UN organisation dedicated to gender equality) and the Estonian Embassy in Copenhagen.
Disclaimer:
This film contains scenes with nudity, references to sex, and vivid descriptions of violence and harm that some viewers may find distressing. While Smoke Sauna Sisterhood also portrays moments of strength, connection, and healing, certain scenes may feel emotionally intense to experience alone. We encourage you to watch the film with a friend, colleague, or loved one if you feel this would provide additional support.
PG rating: 11+ years.
Run time: 1h 29 minutes
Language: Estonian (with English subtitles)
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Please bring a valid photo-ID to get through security at UN City and set aside time for the security check prior to the event.
Please note that the check-in will open at 16:00 and close at 16:50.
It will not be possible to enter UN City after this time. Please DO NOT book tickets under your name for someone else.
Please reserve each ticket under each person’s name due to the security check upon entry to UN City.
Refreshments (soft drinks and snacks) will be available for purchase between 16:00–17:00. You are also welcome to bring your own water bottles and snacks to UN City.
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PROGRAMME
17:00 Welcome Remarks
17:10 Screening of ‘Smoke Sauna Sisterhood’
18:40 Interview with Anna Hints, film director (joining virtually)
18:55 High-Level Dialogue with:

H.E. Andre Pung – Ambassador of Estonia to Denmark
Sofia Calltorp – Director, UN Women Nordic Liaison Office

moderated by Noa Valentin Katz Søgaard – Head of UN City Communications

19:30 Informal Networking
20:00 End of event
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ABOUT 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM AGAINST GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE:
The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence, from 25 November to 10 December 2025, is a global campaign that highlights violence against women as a critical human rights issue.
Why We Must Eliminate Violence Against Women
Violence against women and girls (VAWG) remains largely unreported due to the impunity, silence, stigma, and shame surrounding it. In general terms, it manifests itself in physical, sexual, and psychological forms, encompassing:

intimate partner violence (battering, psychological abuse, marital rape, femicide);
sexual violence and harassment (rape, forced sexual acts, unwanted sexual advances, child sexual abuse, forced marriage, street harassment, stalking, cyber- harassment);
human trafficking (slavery, sexual exploitation);
female genital mutilation; and
child marriage.

As the world marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action – one of the most progressive international agreements on women’s rights to date – the UN Secretary-General’s UNiTE 2025 campaign focuses on one of the fastest-growing forms of abuse: digital violence against women and girls. This year’s campaign is also a reminder that digital safety is central to gender equality.
Learn more about the 16 Days.
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SPECIAL EXHIBITION – ‘I WAS BORN A GIRL’:
Ahead of the screening, you are invited to experience the art exhibition I Was Born a Girl, on display in the lobby of UN City Copenhagen during the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence. The exhibition is organised by UNFPA, together with UN Women and the Embassy of Finland in Copenhagen.
The project was born in 2022, when artist Minna Pietarinen and co-founder Peppi Stünkel decided to create an initiative dedicated to the rights of girls and women, through the gentle yet powerful fusion of art and poetry.
The exhibition premiered in Mexico City on International Women’s Day 2023 and has since toured Latin America, Africa, Asia, and Europe, including a showcase at the Palais des Nations in Geneva during the 57th session of the UN Human Rights Council.
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About UN Women:
UN Women exists to advance women’s rights, gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls.
As the lead UN entity on gender equality and secretariat of the UN Commission on the Status of Women, UN Women shifts laws, institutions, social behaviors, and services to close the gender gap and build an equal world for all women and girls
UN Women’s partnerships with governments, women’s movements, and the private sector coupled with its coordination of the broader United Nations, translate progress into lasting changes. UN Women makes strides forward for women and girls in four areas: leadership, economic empowerment, freedom from violence, and women, peace and security, as well as humanitarian action.
Learn more about UN Women.
About UN City Copenhagen:
UN City Copenhagen is a hub for the Sustainable Development Goals where UN agencies collaborate, share knowledge, and work with partners from across governments, the private sector, academia, youth networks, and civil society in the Nordics and around the world. UN City comprises 2 campuses. Campus 1 on Marmormolen opened in July 2013 and houses 10 UN organisations with 1,700+ personnel from 100+ countries. Campus 2, located on Oceanvej, constitutes UNICEF’s Global Supply Hub – with a total storage capacity of 36,000 pallets, it is the largest humanitarian warehouse in the world.
Learn more about UN City Copenhagen.

docUNight: The Brink of Dreams
2025-12-10 17:00 - 20:00 | UN City, Marmorvej 51, Copenhagen, 2100, Denmark
Book your spot here: The Brink of Dreams

Join us for a docUNight in UN City Copenhagen featuring the documentary ‘The Brink of Dreams‘ – a film following a group of bold young Egyptian girls as they start a theatre troupe using the streets as a stage. They use their voices to challenge traditional norms and advocate for their right to make decisions about their own lives and bodies.

Through intimate storytelling, the documentary highlights how art can be both a means of voice and a path to rights, while also exploring questions of access, opportunity, and the transformative power of creativity. The film shines a light on the struggles and resilience of girls navigating tradition, gender inequality, and the pursuit of freedom, raising questions about what to do with the power of art once it is produced.
This docUNight will explore the inextricable link between bodily autonomy and gender equality.
As part of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, it is co-hosted by UNFPA (the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency), UN Women (the UN organisation dedicated to gender equality), HUM:Global of the University of Copenhagen, and CEMES (the Center for Modern European Studies).
Run time: 1h 42 minutes
Language: Arabic (with English subtitles)
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Please bring a valid photo-ID to get through security at UN City and set aside time for the security check prior to the event.
Please note that the check-in will open at 16:00 and close at 16:50.
It will not be possible to enter UN City after this time. Please DO NOT book tickets under your name for someone else.
Please reserve each ticket under each person’s name due to the security check upon entry to UN City.
Refreshments (soft drinks and snacks) will be available for purchase between 16:00–17:00. You are also welcome to bring your own water bottles and snacks to UN City.
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PROGRAMME
17:00 Welcome Remarks by Ulla Müller, Director of the UNFPA Nordic Representation Office
17:10 Screening of ‘The Brink of Dreams’
18:50 Interview with Ayman El Amir and Nada Riyadh, film directors
followed by a panel discussion with:

Naja Birke – Independent Theatre Practitioner and Consultant at Teatercentrum
Petar Mitric – Assistant Professor in Film Studies, University of Copenhagen

moderated by Noa Valentin Katz Søgaard – Head of UN City Communications

19:45 End of event
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BACKGROUND:
Every day, over 30,000 girls are forced into marriage worldwide, and more than 1 in 3 women experience physical or sexual violence during their lifetime.
These staggering realities prevent individuals from reaching their full potential.
To address this, UNFPA provides millions of women, girls, and young people with crucial information about their bodies and rights, along with essential health services and protection from violence. Only when every person can access accurate information, quality care, and the freedom to make choices about their bodies safely and with dignity can they realise their full potential – and help shape a better future for all.
Women’s rights are human rights. Every woman is a sovereign individual, with agency, voice, and a universal right to pursue a life according to her own aspirations.
Women’s political participation and leadership can only thrive in a society where female perspectives are heard and valued. When women reclaim their voices and enter spaces they were once excluded from, it can encourage the next generation to question limitations and find the courage to pursue or redefine their own aspirations. UN Women makes strides forward for women and girls in 4 areas: leadership, economic empowerment, freedom from violence, and women, peace and security, as well as humanitarian action. UN Women keeps the rights of women and girls at the centre of global progress—always, everywhere.
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SPECIAL EXHIBITION – ‘I WAS BORN A GIRL’:
Ahead of the screening, you are invited to experience the art exhibition I Was Born a Girl, on display in the lobby of UN City Copenhagen during the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence. The exhibition is organised by UNFPA, together with UN Women and the Embassy of Finland in Copenhagen.
The project was born in 2022, when artist Minna Pietarinen and co-founder Peppi Stünkel decided to create an initiative dedicated to the rights of girls and women, through the gentle yet powerful fusion of art and poetry.
The exhibition premiered in Mexico City on International Women’s Day 2023 and has since toured Latin America, Africa, Asia, and Europe, including a showcase at the Palais des Nations in Geneva during the 57th session of the UN Human Rights Council.
The ‘I Was Born a Girl’ exhibition raises awareness about women’s rights and gender equality globally.
Through the convening power of art and storytelling, the exhibition aims to amplify the voices of women, providing a space for reflection, understanding and motivation for action. It emphasises that everyone has a role to play in promoting and advocating for human rights and the rights of women and girls in their own way. By showcasing artistic interpretations and meaningful exchange, the ‘I Was Born a Girl’ exhibition serves as a catalyst for dialogue, action and social change.
About 16 Days of Activism:
From 25 November to 10 December 2025, mark the 16 Days of Activism to End Gender-based Violence under the theme: “UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls”. Violence against women and girls affects one in three women. It is a global human rights emergency that must stop. As the world marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action – one of the most progressive international agreements on women’s rights to date – the UN Secretary-General’s UNiTE 2025 campaign focuses on one of the fastest-growing forms of abuse: digital violence against women and girls. This year’s campaign is also a reminder that digital safety is central to gender equality.
Learn more about the 16 Days.
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About UNFPA:
UNFPA is the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, working to uphold the rights and choices of women, girls and young people across more than 150 countries. Through its work, UNFPA ensures that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person can fulfil their potential.
UNFPA works in partnership with governments, civil society, academia and the private sector to advance sexual and reproductive health and rights. UNFPA shares data and analysis to help countries measure progress. It brings in resources and technical expertise where they are most needed. UNFPA advocates for rights and choices in government discussions and public debates. It also builds national capacity through training and monitoring, and joins regional and international meetings to strengthen knowledge and commitment.
Learn more about UNFPA.
About UN Women:
UN Women is the UN organisation delivering programmes, policies and standards that uphold women’s human rights and ensure that every woman and girl lives up to her full potential. UN Women exists to advance women’s rights, gender equality, and the empowerment of all women and girls.
As the lead UN entity on gender equality and secretariat of the UN Commission on the Status of Women, UN Women shifts laws, institutions, social behaviours, and services to close the gender gap and build an equal world for all women and girls. Its partnerships with governments, women’s movements, and the private sector, coupled with its coordination of the broader United Nations, translate progress into lasting changes.
Learn more about UN Women.
About HUM:Global:
HUM:Global is a cross-faculty initiative that maps, harnesses, and stimulates researchers, projects, networks (both with external global partners and internally at KU), and centres at the Faculty of Humanities to generate and bring to life their greatest and most daring ideas on global processes and challenges. Over the next three years, HUM:Global will co-create projects and frameworks at the Faculty of Humanities, which will substantially enhance its capacity to research and teach on global subjects while increasing its visibility, standing and impact in wider society.
Learn more about HUM:Global.
About CEMES:
The task of the Centre for Modern European Studies (CEMES – an ¨Oresund Network of Lund University, Malmö University, and the University of Copenhagen) is to promote and support research on modern Europe in an increasingly globalised world. The centre aims to explore the last centuries’ political, cultural, and intellectual transformation of Europe as well Europe’s relations with other regions in the world. CEMES provides platforms for researchers to develop and discuss their research on European matters, including history, culture, media, politics, international relations, religions, philosophy, arts, and literature.
Learn more about CEMES.
About UN City Copenhagen:
UN City Copenhagen is a hub for the Sustainable Development Goals where UN agencies collaborate, share knowledge, and work with partners from across governments, the private sector, academia, youth networks, and civil society in the Nordics and around the world. UN City comprises 2 campuses. Campus 1 on Marmormolen opened in July 2013 and houses 10 UN organisations with 1,700+ personnel from 100+ countries. Campus 2, located on Oceanvej, constitutes UNICEF’s Global Supply Hub – with a total storage capacity of 36,000 pallets, it is the largest humanitarian warehouse in the world.
Learn more about UN City Copenhagen.

docUNight: Thank You for the Rain
2025-12-16 17:30 - 20:00 | UN City, Marmorvej 51, Copenhagen, 2100, Denmark
Book your spot here: Thank You for the Rain.
With rising heat, drought, and heavy rain in Africa, how do farmers stay resilient and how does this impact migration?

In 2012, Kisilu, a Kenyan farmer, started capturing the life of his family, his village, and the daily realities of climate change on camera. When a violent storm brings him and a Norwegian filmmaker together, we witness his journey from a father to community leader to global activist.
Join us for a screening of the powerful documentary ‘Thank You For The Rain‘ followed by a panel discussion on how migration relates to climate change, disasters, and environmental degradation in Africa, looking at the past decade.
Thank You For The Rain addresses a range of issues linked to climate change, including climate justice, urbanisation, gender equality, education, access to water, climate migration, and adaptation.
Just weeks after COP30 in Belém, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) will examine the critical links between human mobility and climate change – and how communities continue to adapt and stay resilient.
Run time: 1h 27 minutes
Language: English
This event is made possible thanks to the IOM programme on Climate Change and Migration Data (CCMD), funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark.
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Please bring a valid photo-ID to get through security at UN City and set aside time for the security check prior to the event.
Please note that the check-in will open at 16:30 and close at 17:20.
It will not be possible to enter UN City after this time. Please DO NOT book tickets under your name for someone else.
Please reserve each ticket under each person’s name due to the security check upon entry to UN City.
Refreshments (soft drinks and snacks) will be available for purchase between 16:30–17:30. You are also welcome to bring your own water bottles and snacks to UN City.
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PROGRAMME
17:30 Opening Remarks by IOM and UNEP
17:40 Screening of ‘Thank You for the Rain’
19:10 Panel Discussion with:

Julia Dahr – Norwegian filmmaker and activist (joining online)
Kisilu Musuya – Kenyan filmmaker, farmer, climate fighter, and video diarist in the film (joining online)
Rose Kobusinge – IOM-AU Youth Ambassador and Ugandan advocate on Migration, Environment, and Climate Change

moderated by Noa Valentin Katz Søgaard – Head of UN City Communications

19:40 Closing Remarks
19:45 End of event
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ABOUT INTERNATIONAL MIGRANTS DAY:
This docUNight is part of the commemoration of International Migrants Day 2025 that occurs every year on 18 December. This year’s theme “My Great Story: Cultures and Development” promotes migration as a driver of resilience, innovation, and sustainable development.
The theme emphasises inclusive governance, partnerships, and storytelling to showcase migrants’ contributions to economies, cultures, and global progress. It highlights how properly governed migration connects people, enriches cultures, and drives sustainable development across origin, transit, and destination communities.
SPECIAL EXHIBITION:
Visit UN City between 11–19 December and explore a special exhibition featuring a series of photographs showcasing communities in Mauritania under the Climate Change, Migration, and Development (CCMD) project.
The photo exhibition explores how climate change in Mauritania contributes to reshaping landscapes, lives, and migration patterns. Through the lens of photographer Alexander Bee, it documents the droughts, sudden floods, and environmental degradation impacting the decision of people to migrate – or to adapt in place – as traditional livelihoods become harder to sustain.
The images highlight both the human face of a changing climate and the resilience of communities working to forge new solutions. They underscore the urgent need for more adaptation finance and people-centred responses.
These are essential for migration to remain a choice rather than a necessity and ensure human rights-based climate action.
In addition to the photo exhibition, be part of an interactive world map – by pinning your country of origin and migration pathways – and showcase the diversity of global migration and our shared stories.
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About IOM:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is the leading intergovernmental organisation within the UN system, dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration since 1951.
IOM works to save lives and protect people on the move, drive solutions to displacement, and facilitate pathways for regular migration.
IOM has operations in 171 countries through more than 550 field offices. IOM Denmark manages programmes that promote evidence-based migration governance and safe migration in North, East, West, and Central Africa as well as the Middle East, with a particular focus on climate change and border governance. These large-scale initiatives, implemented by IOM globally, are coordinated closely with the Government of Denmark within its migration framework.
Learn more about IOM.
About UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre:
UNEP Copenhagen Climate is a leading international advisory institution on energy, climate, and sustainable development.
Its work focuses on assisting developing countries and emerging economies transition towards more low-carbon development paths and supports the integration of climate resilience in national development.
Learn more about UNEP-CCC here.
About UN City Copenhagen:
UN City Copenhagen is a hub for the Sustainable Development Goals where UN agencies collaborate, share knowledge, and work with partners from across governments, the private sector, academia, youth networks, and civil society in the Nordics and around the world. UN City comprises 2 campuses. Campus 1 on Marmormolen opened in July 2013 and houses 10 UN organisations with 1,700+ personnel from 100+ countries. Campus 2, located on Oceanvej, constitutes UNICEF’s Global Supply Hub – with a total storage capacity of 36,000 pallets, it is the largest humanitarian warehouse in the world.
Learn more about UN City Copenhagen.
