Together, We Create a Welcoming Denmark
Strengthening International Community and Voices in Denmark
We are a non-profit organization of passionate internationals and Danes working to build a more inclusive and thriving Denmark. Whether you’re an international seeking support or a stakeholder looking to connect, we’re here to amplify voices and break down barriers. Together, we can create real change.
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What's going on?
Building Bridges: It’s Time to Connect International Workers and Danish Trade Unions
Denmark’s labour market, economy and welfare system have long been shaped by a strong tradition of trade union membership.
But Denmark is also becoming increasingly international. Around 17% of the population are immigrants or descendants of immigrants, while workers with foreign backgrounds remain considerably less likely than Danish workers to be members of trade unions and unemployment insurance funds.
Why?
Trade unions often say that international workers can be difficult to reach and engage. At the same time, many internationals feel that unions do not communicate effectively with them or sufficiently address the specific challenges they face when working and building a life in Denmark.
This is why we are organising an event to connect internationals with Denmark’s main trade unions, creating a space where these two worlds can meet, talk, understand each other better and start moving forward together.
Event Outline
Thu, Oct 22, 2026, 1:30 PM (your local time)
13:15–13:30: Registration
13:30–13:50- Welcome and introduction
13:50–14:45: Panel discussion, “How can we bring together internationals and Unions"
Panelists:
- Christian Sølyst (Akademikerne)
- Elizabeth Williams Oerberg (InDe)
- Moderator: Bernardo Basilici Menini (CPH Post)
14:45–15:00 — Break
15:00–16:00 — Workshops
The workshops are designed as open conversations where international workers, trade union representatives/A-kasse can sit face to face and talk directly. Participants will be able to ask questions, explain what they need, and understand what the other side can offer. The aim is to create a practical exchange in both directions: internationals can better understand the role, services and support offered by unions and a-kasser, while unions and a-kasser can hear directly from internationals about their experiences, needs and expectations.
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Workshop 1: IT workers
Participants: PROSA, IDA
Facilitator: PROSA -
Workshop 2: University and research workers
Participants: DM, PAND
Facilitator: Andrew Mellor -
Workshop 3: Blue-collar and service-sector workers
Participants: 3F, Community House
Facilitator: TBD -
Workshop 4: Unemployment and job seeking
Participants: HK, FOA
Facilitator: Sara Nardi
16:00–17:00 — Closing and networking
How to participate?
Participation is free. You simply need to register here.
You are welcome to join whether you are an international worker, unemployed or looking for a job, a trade union or a-kasse member, a policymaker, a stakeholder, or a representative of an organisation.
We decided not to charge a participation fee, so we only ask one thing in return: if you sign up, please show up.
InDe in Aarhus
We were invited to Aarhus City Welcome - International Day and we had a blast.
We had our own stand and met many internationals based here and had many exciting conversations about the growth of internationals in this great city.
We also had an opportunity to facilitate our own networking event which was a great way for internationals to meet each other and share their LinkedIn profiles.
This is hopefully the start of our Aarhus adventure and we now plan more networking events in the city of smiles.
If you would like to be involved please contact eventsu@in-de.dk
Thank you to Aarhus City Welcome organizers for making us feel at home.
InDe Policy Agenda!
We are happy to announce that InDe now has an official Policy Agenda! The process of developing it involved dozens of people over the course of two years, and in May 2026, it was approved by our members.
As a result, InDe now officially advocates for:
1) The enhancement and systematic development of Denmark’s national long-term strategy concerning the integration and inclusion of international residents.
2) The establishment of an independent body mandated to monitor policies affecting international residents, assess their living conditions in Denmark, and map relevant initiatives, stakeholders, and associations working in this field.
3) The participation of representatives of international residents in policy-making and implementation processes that directly affect this group.
4) The promotion and enforcement of equal and fair treatment of international residents within the Danish labour market.
5) The development of a targeted strategy aimed at facilitating labour market access and employment opportunities for accompanying international spouses.
6) The removal of administrative and procedural barriers, such as high costs, related to the extension and renewal of residence permits.
7) The provision of more linguistically accessible public services.
8) The advancement of a comprehensive long-term strategy to address housing-related challenges both affecting internationals and arising from the impact of internationals on the housing market.
Enough talking. It’s time to act - together.
We’ve begun shifting how we approach international talent in Denmark.
Recently InDe and Danes Worldwide, with the generous support of Copenhagen Capacity, brought together key stakeholders working with international professionals in Denmark.
More than 70 participants gathered for informative panel discussions, structured networking, and conversations that continued long after the programme ended.
Two questions cut through the room:
- Are we here as a resource, or are we allowed to belong?
- International talent needs to be at the table where decisions are made.
These questions reflect a wider reality.
International professionals bring competences that are missing in the Danish labour market and contribute to economic growth. And yet, only around 50% stay after five years.
This is not just a labour market issue. It is about navigating systems, building networks, and feeling part of society.
At present, efforts remain fragmented. Many good initiatives exist, but they are short-term and disconnected. There is still no coordinated national strategy for international talent in Denmark.
What is needed is stronger collaboration to move from fragmentation to impact. Not only to attract talent, but to retain it, and to ensure people feel they belong.
There is also still widespread scepticism to address. We will not shy away from that conversation.
We look forward to turning this into action in the months ahead.
First big event of 2026
Dear InDe members,
We would like to invite you to the first big event of 2026.
InDe and Danes Worldwide will bring together key stakeholders and organisations working with internationals. The goal: to start a network of organizations working with internationals.
Event details:
- Thursday, April 16th
- 17:30 – 20:00
- Kantinen, Copenhagen Capacity (Nørregade 7B, 1165 Copenhagen)
The program:
First, we will have a panel: Elizabeth Williams Oerber (President of InDe), Michael Bach Pedersen (Secretary General of Danes Worldwide), Bente Toftkær (Head of International People & Mobility, Dansk Industri), Asbjørn Overgaard (CEO/Managing Director, Copenhagen Capacity), Naila Kosar (Head of Membership of Professional Women of Color), and Steven Burrell (Vice President of BPOC) will discuss how the conversation about internationals can translate into policymaking, with them as participants and not only as a topic.
Then, we will have a structured networking activity, so that people can get to know each other and what they do, and finally, free mingling.
Other info:
RSVP is needed to participate. You can do it using this link. Please note that to attend, we require a participation fee of 70 DKK per person, which will be used to provide refreshments and snacks. You can pay it via MobilePay Box: InDe Association Event. It is important that you write the full name you used to sign up in the message on MobilePay.
Doubts or questions?
You can write to InDe event manager Soni Khanal (soni@in-de.dk) or George Karavas (george@in-de.dk
We hope to see you there!
InDe Annual General Assembly (AGM)
On February 22, InDe held its second General Assembly, bringing together members, the Executive Board, and Board members to review 2025 and set priorities for 2026.
Whether you joined us or not, here’s what was decided.
Leadership of the Meeting
Board member Maria Siboni was elected Chair of the Assembly and guided the meeting through the agenda.
President Elizabeth Williams Østerberg revisited InDe’s vision and mission and presented a summary of the association’s activities to date. The focus remains clear: strengthening support, representation, and services for internationals in Denmark.
2025 Accounts Approved
Treasurer Kate Yang presented the 2025 financial report.
The association operated with minimal costs, consistent with its non-profit structure and the voluntary contributions of the Executive Board and Board members.
The 2025 accounts were approved without objection.
2026 Budget Approved
The proposed 2026 budget was presented and approved by members. The approach remains cautious and sustainable, ensuring that resources are aligned with our priorities.
Treasurer Re-Elected
Ahead of the Assembly, members were invited to participate in a digital vote for the Treasurer position.
Sandro Sousa, Head of Internal (IT Support), explained the voting process and the GDPR safeguards in place.
The result: Kate Yang was re-elected as Treasurer for another year.- CONGRATULATIONS!
2026 Plans and Policy Agenda
Vice-President Bernardo Basilici Menini presented the plan for future activities and objectives.
The draft Policy Agenda, which had been shared with members prior to the Assembly, was discussed during the meeting and approved by majority vote.
This provides a clear framework for the year ahead.
Closing
The Assembly concluded with closing remarks from the Chair, followed by a networking session. It was a chance to continue conversations beyond the formal agenda and strengthen connections within the InDe community.
Thank you to everyone who attended, voted, and continues to contribute to InDe.
We move into 2026 with approved accounts, a confirmed budget, re-elected leadership, and a clear policy direction.
Please look out for our upcoming March event on our social media channels.
Looking back on an incredible year for InDe
As 2025 ends, we want to say a big thank you to all our members, volunteers, and our board. What we have achieved together this year is truly remarkable.
Today, one in five people in Copenhagen is an international.
Our community is strong — and InDe exists to make that voice even louder.
This year brought many meaningful moments, including:
InDe Connect events, from our inspiring session with Annie Samples to our summer conversation with Michael Bach Petersen from Danes Worldwide Regular InDe Meet-Ups, where new friendships began — and we look forward to many more in 2026 Our biggest presence yet at International Citizen’s Day, where we welcomed so many new faces InDe Goes Nationwide through EU events, connecting internationals with Denmark’s role during the EU Council Presidency, including events at International House Odense and Roskilde Bibliotekerne Supporting internationals during the local and regional elections, helping ensure their voices were heard
Raising awareness about the impact of mass layoffs on internationals — people who contribute so much to Denmark, yet often risk losing not only a job, but their right to stay
Strengthening InDe from the inside out
Behind the scenes, we’ve been building the foundation that makes everything possible:
Held our first General Assembly and elected InDe’s first board Ran three full-day strategy workshops and bi-weekly board meetings Expanded our stakeholder network and grew our volunteer team Submitted key funding applications to secure InDe’s future Co-hosted events with Community House, AMIS, and Alida Launched a pro-bono coaching programme for internationals
This work strengthens our mission and shows the real value of being part of InDe.
Looking ahead to 2026
In the coming year, we’re excited to bring you:
More InDe Connects More Meet-Ups A major spring event that will bring our international community together like never before