I have participated in most “People’s Meetings” on the island of Bornholm since 2011. But this is the first time I am taking a week out to both enjoy the natural wonders of the island, and the discussions in more than 1.000 events over the three days.

All the political parties are present at the meeting, with most of their MPs joining the discussions. Some of the parties position their leaders in ways that people might remember – this is the leader of the Liberal Alliance, our Minister of Foreign Affairs.

This is the Danish Minister of Finance, Kristian Jensen, from the Liberal Party. On this occasion, the Minister participates in a debate about the Sustainable Development Goals [the SDGs], organized by the development organisations.

My old organisation, Mellemfolkeligt Samvirke, also participated. This is a debate about political positions, with the Secretary General, Tim Whyte, on the right – and former Member of Parliament, Özlem Cekic on the right.

The UN organisations also had a tent, where the SDGs and other global issues were discussed. In this debate on conflict and the sensitive issue of migration from Africa, the Minister for Development, Ulla Tørnæs, is seen on the far left.

The Danish Institute for Parties and Democracy, DIPD, also participated. In this event, youth members from the Socialist People’s Party and the Liberal Party, shared their experiences from working with youth in Malawi.

Rasmus Helveg Petersen, Director of the Danish Institute for Parties and Democracy, debating with the Minister for Development, Ulla Tørnæs, on the role of Denmark in building democracy, and sharing experiences from Nepal and other countries.