hYphen was born out of longstanding conversations on the current state of global affairs between two good friends, Laura and Maja. 

 

In 2021 we came to realise that our international professional paths as university educators and international affairs specialists had in fact brought us to two similar conclusions. 

 

First, that from climate and the future of our planet to racism and ethno-cultural discriminations, from gender and sex diversity to socio-economical inequalities, key issues in global politics cannot be taken alone. They need to be understood together to conceive solutions to global problems that are truly encompassing and inclusive. 

 

Second, that in an age in which we have never been so connected and aware of common stakes for our societies, we are faced with increased polarisation as to how to address these issues. Global political debates seem to happen in echo-chambers —online, at universities, within political parties, within cultural and geographical boundaries— and are largely removed from a whole constellation of diverse voices.

 

We felt the urge to move beyond the divides that we could witness in some of the global institutions we frequented, such as academic and international organisations. 

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We do that offering what we know how to do best —creative education and mediation— to those who are open to listening to and understanding the Other. Our work emerges from a real commitment to extend this experience to all of those who are willing to engage in this process and is open particularly to younger populations, irrespective of backgrounds and financial possibilities. Because we believe that every voice matters.