Sarah Smed receives the Bent Melchior Prize 2024

This is now the third time that we are commemorating Bent Melchior, the first chairman of Brobyggerne, by presenting an award in his name. It must be said that Bent's message of bridge building has become no less relevant when we look at the state of the world today.

It has only been a few days since I returned from my dialogue coffee trip to the US. As we all know, Donald Trump won the presidential election with the unequivocal support of a majority of Americans. It gives pause for thought that a campaign based so heavily on divisive messages and demonization of others could be so successful.

It has confirmed my belief that we must make an extra effort to hold on to what binds us together, rather than focusing on what divides us.

The award honors a passionate individual who, with perseverance and patience, makes an effort to step out onto the bridge and meet the other person – with openness, curiosity, and a critical stance.

This year's award winner is Sarah Smed, who is the museum director at the Danish Welfare Museum in Svendborg and an unparalleled driving force.

As former Bent Melchior Prize winner (2022) Henrik Vestergaard Stokholm said in his motivational speech:

“She has thrown herself into the fight for the weak and put herself on the line. She has insisted that we all must face the monster and recognize that everyone has a responsibility for the vulnerable and disadvantaged. That we can do much better. That we must treat vulnerable people with dignity, respect, and compassion, and give a voice to the forgotten and the timid. Not just in speeches like this, but every day when we encounter vulnerable people on our path.”

You can read Henrik Vestergaard Stokholm's entire motivational speech here.

“I had to pinch myself to realize that I (!) am the recipient of this honorable award, named after such an important person – and from an association, an initiative, a way of thinking that inspires me so much – wow!”

This is how Sarah Smed began her acceptance speech, and as you can see in the photo below, there was no doubt that we were dealing with a surprised recipient of this year's Bent Melchior Award.

However, her speech, which you can read here , also offered what I think is a welcome and much-needed rebuke:

“Because when all is said and done, I have learned that ‘the others’, ‘the vulnerable’ – they are part of ‘us’. It can be so damn uncomfortable to think that it could happen to us too. That exclusion. […] So couldn't we instead make an effort to talk about 'us', about 'we' and much less about 'the others' and 'the vulnerable'? Because words leave their mark. And I believe that one of the cornerstones of a more dignified welfare effort is laid when we as a society become aware of the words we use. About their power. And about how they are experienced and felt by those at whom they are directed."

Special thanks to:

• Moltke's Palace for providing such a distinguished venue for the event.
• Frellsen for the cream puffs and coffee bags for our guests.
• Our anonymous donors, who once again this year have been a great support to our work in planning and executing the awards ceremony.
• The artists and panel participants for enriching us all with moving stories and reminding us of the importance of valuing those who are vulnerable.
• My good friend, designer Søren Le Schmidt, for my beautiful dress.
• Photographer Erling Brodersen for taking the beautiful pictures.

Bent Melchior always said: "If you feel that something needs to be done, don't say, 'Someone else will have to do it. ' You have to do it yourself! You have to make a difference." We couldn't have made that difference without your support. So thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Were you unable to attend?

There are still tickets available for my lecture in the US on November 18 from 7 to 9 p.m. in Copenhagen and January 7 from 7 to 9 p.m. in Aarhus.  Tickets cost DKK 125. I'll be sharing stories from the wild (or rather, crazy) US election campaign and offering a cup of coffee and chocolate. See you there?

And if you are looking for some "Bent Melchior Prize atmosphere" at home, I may have something for you too. In our webshop, you can purchase one (or all) of our beautiful bridge-builder posters. If you're looking for something to immerse yourself in, you can buy Anders Jerichow's book Brobyggere (Bridge Builders). Özlem Cekic and Bent Melchior.

If you are looking for a Christmas gift, I can also say that the Bridge Builder game offers many enjoyable and educational moments.And speaking of enjoyable and educational moments, we think that a ticket to one (or all) of the Ethical Evenings in January would be a great gift to put under the Christmas tree.

Finally, I would like to thank you, dear reader, for faithfully following our work. It means more than you know that we have a platform through which we can communicate and which interacts with us to such a high degree.

If you (or your family or friends) are not yet a member of Brobyggere, you can become one for just DKK 100 per year – but you are also welcome to give more. You can also support Brobyggere's work with a donation of any amount. Donations of at least DKK 200 are tax deductible.

Best regards

Özlem Cekic
Bridge Builders – Center for Dialogue Coffee