Danish peace choir project reaches 18 countries across six continents

A choir initiative launched in Ebeltoft, an eastern Jutland coastal town, has grown into a global singing event involving 18 countries across six continents, DR reports.

Sing for Unity was created by Ebeltoft resident Vibe Bregendahl last year, after she felt powerless in a world marked by war and unrest. Her idea was to create a joint project for people who want peace and connection across national and cultural borders.

Choirs in different parts of the world meet on the same day at 2pm in their local time zones to sing together for peace. The event takes place on Sunday this year.

Africa and South America are taking part for the first time, bringing the total to 18 countries across six continents. Bregendahl expects about 15,000 people to participate, including registered choirs and audiences attending in person.

She acknowledges that the project is unlikely to reach powerful leaders such as Vladimir Putin, but says its purpose is to show that people around the world want to connect. She also hopes it will encourage discussion and reflection on how people can live together across cultural, religious and other differences.

The event is held in connection with the United Nations International Day of Peace, which falls on Monday, September 21. The singing is being held on Sunday so more people can take part. It begins at 2pm in western Canada before moving eastwards through the time zones.

The organisers hope 30 countries will participate next year.