On July 16, 2026, Universal Peace Federation (UPF) Denmark joined with Youth for Human Rights International, Soteria International and the European Muslim Initiative for Social Cohesion (EMISCO) to commemorate Nelson Mandela Day with an evening dinner and dialogue in Copenhagen. More than forty diplomats, politicians, faith leaders, academics, and human rights advocates participated in the event, which honored Nelson Mandela's enduring legacy of reconciliation, human dignity and hope.
Gregory Christensen, Director of Youth for Human Rights Denmark, served as master of ceremonies and emphasized the importance of human rights education, raising awareness and strengthening cooperation across communities. Participants reflected not only on Nelson Mandela's extraordinary life, but also on the responsibility each person bears for building a more peaceful society.
One of the keynote addresses was given by Karsten Nielsen, Secretary General of UPF Denmark. Rather than focusing only on Mandela's remarkable life, he invited the audience to reflect on a deeper question: How can conflict become the beginning of peace? Drawing on Mandela's life, he suggested that lasting peace is created not merely by resolving conflicts, but by transforming relationships through respect, compassion and forgiveness.
Presenting UPF's vision, Mr. Nielsen highlighted the principles of Interdependence, Mutual Prosperity and Universal Shared Values, stressing that peace begins long before negotiations between governments. It begins whenever people choose dialogue over distrust, reach across differences and recognize the equal dignity of every human being.
Among the distinguished speakers were former Member of Parliament Roger Courage, who reflected on the inspiration he found in Nelson Mandela's autobiography Long Walk to Freedom and the importance of protecting human dignity, and Tanmay Majumder, Counsellor and Head of Chancery at the Embassy of Bangladesh, who highlighted the historic bonds between Bangladesh and South Africa forged through the struggle against apartheid. Kamran Sarwar shared personal reflections on meeting Nelson Mandela during his school years and encouraged participants to carry Mandela's legacy forward through their own actions.
The evening also featured musical performances by Danish singer Louise Dubiel, accompanied by German pianist and composer Makob Wegmann, whose uplifting music contributed to the warm and reflective atmosphere.
In recognition of UPF Denmark's longstanding contribution to peacebuilding and human rights education, Youth for Human Rights International presented the organization with a commemorative plaque. The presentation reflected the close cooperation between the organizations and their shared commitment to promoting human dignity, dialogue and a culture of peace.