Denmark

Folkemødet

From 11–13 June, citizens, decision-makers and hundreds of organisations gather for a wide-ranging series of democratic debates at Folkemødet on the Danish island of Bornholm.
 

demokratifestival

 Together, we strengthen democracy

The Nordic Council of Ministers’ focus at this year’s Folkemødet is on future of the Nordic Region, emergency preparedness, democracy and young people.
Each morning our tent hosts a reading of Nordic literature; each afternoon we lend it out to young people’s organisations.
The exhibition 'Siulit Ancestors, We are Here Now' is open to the public; the Nordic Council of Ministers’ institutions are represented, and the tent also hosts guests from the Danish Army’s Basic Arctic Training programme and the Danish Family Planning Association. See below for an overview of the events or check out the full Festival programme (in Danish).

The Nordic Tent on Strandvejen (C34) is the hub for the Nordic programme during Folkemødet.

Thursday 11 June

09:00–09:30

Come and read: Opening of the Nordic Library

Join us when the Nordic Tent opens its outdoor library with the Meigart Cultural Association and photographer Shazia Khan. “Siulit Ancestors, We Are Here Now” is being launched as part of the ‘Come and Read Nordic’ initiative. The book features 31 photographic portraits and interviews with people living in Denmark who have roots in Greenland and other countries.
10:30–12:00

The Nordics time is now! But what about in 10 years?

Drawing on recent analyses and Nordic collaborations, we focus on how to boost our collective competitiveness and resilience at a time of global uncertainty.

Thursday 11 June

13:00–14:30

The Arctic break up Nordic strengths and new opportunities

The Arctic is changing rapidly, and the world’s eyes are on the North. Along with the Arctic Economic Council, the Nordic Council of Ministers is bringing together representatives from the worlds of politics, business and international organisations to discuss solutions for sustainable growth and competitiveness in the Arctic.
15:00–16:30

How can youth education make the Nordic Region stronger?

The climate crisis, the crisis of concentration, the crisis of democracy, and geopolitical tensions are putting pressure on the Nordic Region’s internal and external borders. The question is whether young people can identify solutions and play their part in addressing the challenges of the future.

Friday 12 June

09:00–09:30

Come and read Nordic

This morning’s event is a reading of modern Faroese literature by Bergur Rønne Moberg.
10:00–11:15

Crises: What can Denmark learn from Finland?

We focus on society’s preparedness in a time of uncertainty. How well is Denmark prepared for crises – and what can we learn from Finland’s approach to resilience, co-operation and long-term planning?

Friday 12 June

12:00–12:45

When equality and rights come under attack, can the Nordic Region stand its ground?

Pressure is being exerted worldwide on sexual and reproductive rights, LGBTI rights, and gender equality. How is this playing out in the Nordic context? And how can the Nordic countries collectively resist the pressure and remain a progressive global force?
14:00–14:45

Democracy: Who gets to take part?

Come and listen to voices you rarely hear. Listen to meaningful conversations as they unfold, and get a sense of how democracy is also about listening, compromising, taking other people’s views on board, and finding your community. How do people less involved in public discourse experience democracy?

Friday 12 June

15:00–16:30

Young people in conversation: Nordic identity, future and community

Young people and politicians from various Nordic countries meet in small groups for personal conversations about life as a young person. Based on four themes – identity, community, the future and influence – young people share their experiences and invite politicians into their world.

Saturday 13 June

09:00–09:30

Come and read Nordic

Join us every morning for a reading in our outdoor library.
10:00–10:45

Nordic cultural community: who’s in?

What characterises the Nordic cultural community in 2026? In a world of growing geopolitical instability, many people are turning to the Nordic sense of affinity as a safe haven. But what does the Nordic Region look like through the lens of cultural policy?

Saturday 13 June

11:00–11:45

Safe spaces or silent voices? Young people and digital democracy

: What role do digital media play in young people’s ability to participate in democratic discourse – and how can we create digital spaces that are both safe and democratic? What is it that holds young people back, prevents them from moving forward, and often makes them feel excluded from important decision-making processes in our society?
14:00–15:30

Democratic influence Can young people shape the future?

Democracy is under threat. Democracy is on the wane around the world, in Europe, and here in the Nordic Region. We need to strengthen our democracy, but are young people actually being invited to participate on an equal footing with the decision-makers? Are the powers that be talking with them or just at them? How do we find room for young people on the stage and not just in the audience?

Contact

Contact

Sara Kolka

Senior Adviser/Communication
45 31 22 80 83
sarkol@norden.org