Folkemødet: En hyldest til demokrati, fællesskab og kultur

By Daryna Onyshko, CoD Youth Network Coordinator, EDYN President.

Stepping onto the captivating island of Bornholm after a journey from Warsaw, I was immediately struck by the awe-inspiring sight of countless people from all walks of life gathered at Folkemødet (Translated to: The People’s Meeting). The festival, a vibrant celebration of democracy, drew individuals of all ages and professions, creating a diverse and energetic atmosphere on this extraordinary Danish island, distinguished by its picturesque hills uncommon to the country's usual landscape. 

As I embarked on my journey through the event, a chance encounter with the Danish Prime Minister strolling casually along the sidewalk with minimal security took me by surprise. I later regretted that I had not taken the chance to discuss Ukraine's NATO membership, particularly with the Vilnius Summit just weeks away. 

The networking events hosted by the Danish Institute for Parties and Democracy (DIPD) that evening proved to be enriching as I connected with fascinating individuals from the realms of politics, academia, and journalism, hailing from Denmark, Ukraine, Sweden, Nigeria, and beyond. Later, we got soaking wet all together while waiting in a restaurant line; experiencing true Danish weather definitely made our bond stronger from the get-go. 

   At the heart of my message was the urgent need for digital solutions in Ukraine, where ongoing conflict with Russia has disrupted infrastructure.

During my time at Folkemødet, I had the pleasure of participating in three engaging discussions organised by the DIPD and their partners focusing on media, politics, and youth involvement in democracy. A highlight was a spirited debate with representatives from Danish youth wings and a Ukrainian colleague - all with different political views. Together, we delved into the realm of education, exploring the differences between public and private schools, state financing, the post-Covid-19 learning landscape, and the integration of technology into education systems. 

At the heart of my message was the urgent need for digital solutions in Ukraine, where ongoing conflict with Russia has disrupted infrastructure. A few hours before the debate, we connected with schoolchildren from Mykolaiv who bravely shared their experience of their school being indiscriminately attacked, showcasing the importance of international support, like that provided by Denmark, in rebuilding and reconstructing such afflicted areas. 

Another engaging discussion centred on the intricate relationship between media and politics, which had led to a toxic cycle eroding trust and hindering dialogue within society. Alongside Danish Parliament members Kasper Sand Kjær and Sascha Faxe and Nigeria’s democracy advocate, Abiodun Dominic Odunuga. We pondered the role of young people in breaking this cycle by making decisions based on evidence, political ideals, and societal well-being. The conversation, expertly guided by award-winning journalist Ulrik Haagerup from Denmark, concluded on a hopeful note, emphasising the potential for positive change through informed decision-making. 

   As I departed the enchanting island, I carried with me cherished memories and a renewed sense of hope for a world where cultures converge and democracies flourish

As the festival came to a close for me, a lighthearted Eurovision quiz brought together participants from various backgrounds, including youth workers from The Ukrainian-Danish Youth House and senior European Union officials. Amidst the enjoyable mix of Ukrainian sensation "Stefania" and classic Abba tunes, the quiz explored the inherently political nature of the Eurovision contest, offering a fittingly entertaining conclusion to Folkemødet.

Heading back to the airport with my gracious colleagues from the DIPD, the unique hilly landscape of Bornholm provided the perfect backdrop for meaningful discussions and reflections. Folkemødet had been a remarkable opportunity for learning, making new friends, and immersing oneself in the welcoming Danish culture.  

A true model for democracy events, it succeeded in bringing together people from diverse backgrounds and revealed the shared love for herring and rye bread, demonstrating the underlying similarities between Denmark and Ukraine. 

Folkemødet 2023 left a lasting impression, showcasing the power of unity, dialogue, and shared values in shaping a brighter future for all. As I departed the enchanting island, I carried with me cherished memories and a renewed sense of hope for a world where cultures converge and democracies flourish.

Daryna Onyshko participated at Folkemødet as a representative for the Youth Democracy Cohort funded by the European Union.