Global Development Network - University of Copenhagen

🌍 Less than 3 weeks to go! Join us for Rethinking Global Aid - The Reset!

As global crises continue to test the limits and values of our aid and development systems, this symposium offers space to reflect, challenge, and co-create new paths forward with a focus on Global South agency, decolonial approaches, and innovative perspectives on global development.

Rethinking Global Aid – The Reset brings together students, researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to explore how global aid can be reimagined for a more equitable and sustainable future.

We’re excited to present an inspiring lineup of insightful speakers who will share their perspectives through key note presentations and a panel discussion:

🎙️ Somdeep Sen (RUC) – on decolonising aid and addressing systemic inequalities and North–South hierarchies
🎙️ Bert Maerten (Oxfam Denmark) – on how NGOs navigate the changing aid landscape and its impacts on the ground
🎙️ Lisa Richey (CBS) – on the role of business, everyday humanitarianism, and centering Global South agency
🎙️ Adam Moe Fejerskov (DIIS) – on recent USAID funding cuts and Denmark’s role in the global aid landscape

💬 Panel Discussion moderated by Sven Johannesen (Chief Editor, Globalnyt) - briefly introducing the role of media in shaping narratives and framing power in global aid.

The symposium concludes with a poster fair where students, researchers, and practitioners from across disciplines and regions share projects and reflections on shifting aid dynamics, decolonial and community-led initiatives, and emerging practices in development cooperation.

We’re also glad to have The Copenhagen Decolonization Collective supporting us with volunteers.
Check out the full programme and the slides below to learn more about the speakers and the themes they’ll explore!

→ When?
🗓️ 27 November 2025 | 16:00–19:30

→ Where?
📍 Ungdommens Demokratihuset, Copenhagen

→ Registration
💡 Free to attend – registration required
🔗 Register here: https://lnkd.in/dSbk3wWB

(Remote participation is possible – just specify this in the registration form)

Facebook event link: https://fb.me/e/3AGVXud52

🌍 Call for Abstracts: Rethinking Global Aid – The Reset

Global aid is at a crossroads. Rising nationalism, colonial legacies, declining support for development funding, and a shifting multilateral order are reshaping the global aid landscape.

On 27 November 2025, the Global Development Network, the School of Global Health and Eye on Global Health
will bring together students, researchers and practitioners to ask:
👉 What should global aid look like in 2025 and beyond? Should today’s collapsing structures be rebuilt, or reimagined entirely?

This student-driven symposium will challenge entrenched power dynamics, explore alternative models of development, and reimagine an aid system rooted in equity, reciprocity, and genuine partnerships.

Call for Abstracts – Poster Presentations
Are you working on shifts in the aid landscape, new approaches, grassroots initiatives, or critical reflections on aid policies? Submit your abstract and take part in shaping the conversation.

Submissions are welcome at all levels: bachelor’s and master’s projects, PhD research, grassroots initiatives, and practitioner reflections.

📍 Venue: Youth Democracy House, Copenhagen
📅 Date: 27 November 2025
📝 Submission deadline: 26 October 2025

Take part in shaping the future of global aid.
🔗 Learn more & submit here ⤵️

Call for abstracts: Rethinking Global Aid - The Reset Global aid is at a crossroads. Rising nationalism, colonial legacies, declining support for development assistance, and a shifting multilateral order are reshaping the foundations of international cooperation.

Are you a student interested in global justice, power, and the future of aid?

We’re building a student team to help shape an event this Autumn that explores how global aid is changing.

Whether you're into organizing, communications, content, or just curious about the topic, we’d love for you to join.

Register your interest here: https://forms.gle/fL8h4gpAnzkBWwVx6

*Danish-Speaking Student Assistant Role*

🌱 Join CONCITO as a Student Assistant! 🌱

Are you skilled in handling large datasets and passionate about promoting green education? CONCITO, Denmark's leading green think tank, is seeking a dedicated student assistant to support their data-driven initiatives in sustainable development.​

Key Responsibilities:
- Manage and analyze extensive datasets related to environmental research.​
- Contribute to projects aimed at advancing green education and awareness.
- Collaborate with a dynamic team committed to accelerating the green transition in Denmark and beyond.​

What Is Offered:
- An opportunity to work with experts in the field of sustainability.​
- A chance to make a tangible impact on environmental policies and practices.​
- A supportive environment fostering professional growth and learning.​

Application Deadline: April 6, 2025

For more Information & How to Apply:

Kan du håndtere store mængder data og er du interesseret i grøn dannelse? Bliv studentermedarbejder i CONCITOs Klimaambassade Er du systematisk, grundig og detaljeorienteret? Trives du med at arbejde med store mængder data og sikre, at information er korrekt og velformidlet? Så er det måske dig, vi leder efter!

Why is GDN Closing?

Despite a strong proposal aligned with UCPH’s 2030 strategy, our application for the newly established strategic funds did not secure full funding. As a result, the network will no longer have the resources to continue its current level of activity, including key initiatives like:

🔹 Coordinating UCPH’s engagement in IARU, including the flagship “Borderlands” summer school.
🔹 Supporting global student engagement through the distribution of travel grants, events, such as the Global Development Day.
🔹 Facilitating collaboration across UCPH faculties and maintaining resources for global issues.
🔹 Leading the UCPH Global initiative to mainstream global perspectives in research, teaching, and innovation.

What’s Next?

GDN will transition into a virtual network with limited coordination in 2025. The website can still be accessed, and will host an archive of past materials.

Outstanding ´From the Field´ research videos will continue to be posted on our website, but no new grants for this initiative will be handed out in 2025.

We hope UCPH will continue to embrace global collaboration as a strategic priority. Thank you to all the students, faculty and partners who have contributed to GDN’s success over the years.🌍

Read the official statement from the GDN Board regarding the discontinuation of GDN funding.

This Thursday, join this insightful event organized by our colleagues at COPE: Copenhagen Center for Disaster Research

Heatwaves, often called "silent killers," have reached unprecedented levels, highlighting the urgent need for action. Extreme heat has significant physical, mental, and economic impacts. Research indicates that if global warming is not addressed, the average global income could decrease by 23% by 2100. Despite these risks, current policies lack urgency due to the absence of effective communication frameworks.

The Copenhagen Center for Disaster Research invites you to join the “Sun is Shining” event that bridges climate research and artistic expression on the 9th of January 2025. It will feature research presentations, posters, artistic performances, and visual art installations by renowned artists. The event will engage the public in climate change discussions, using the cross-over between research and art to provide new perspectives on complex climate issues.

On January 9th, 2025, join us at Udstillingstedet Sydhavn Station. Featuring: Research presentations by: John Rand, Nick Baumgart, and Maryam Nastar.

Exhibition with works by: Nanna Gro Henningsen, Hesselholdt & Mejlvang, Skye Jin, Signe Kleis, Anne Langgaard, Madeleine Kate McGowan, and SUPERFLEX.

Join on December 9th as we recognize the contributions, rights, and resilience of migrants worldwide on the United Nations International Migration Day.

✨ What to Expect:

💬 Inspiring Keynote: Hear from Marie McAuliffe, Chief Editor of IOM’s World Migration Report 2024, on global trends in migration and displacement.

🗣️ Dynamic Panel Discussion: Explore safe and regular migration pathways with experts from the research community, civil society, private sector, and policymakers.

🤝 Networking & Refreshments: Connect with like-minded individuals passionate about migration and sustainable development.

🕒 Event Details

Check-in: 8:30–9:30
From 9:30 to 12:30
Location: University of Copenhagen - Frue Plads

📍 Register Now -

International Migrants Day 2024 Join UCPH Migration Research Platform and IOM Denmark for a special panel discussion on promoting safe and regular pathways on migration!

🚨 On the Rise but Out of Sight: Putting Extreme Poverty Back on the Agenda 🌍

Join in for a vital conversation about extreme poverty impacting nearly 700 million people globally, hosted by and .

Hear from experts like Dorthe Petersen (CEO, PLAN Børnefonden), Flemming Møller Mortensen (MP, Social Democrats), and Asif Saleh (CEO, BRAC) as they explore root causes and locally-led solutions.

📅 Date: Tuesday, October 22 · 4 - 6pm CEST. Doors at 3:30pm
📍 Location: 45C Nørrebrogade 2200 København

Join in the conversation to achieving SDG1.

🔗 Registration Link in Bio.