Consular Conversations: Denmark

A small country with big ambitions, Denmark has long been a laboratory for experiments in socially responsible governance. If the country’s consistent top-three ranking in the World Happiness Index is any indication, they’re working. 

Denmark’s latest moonshot is a climate law that will hold the country accountable for cutting greenhouse gases 70 percent by 2030, all while preserving economic growth. The key to future success? Innovation and technology. 

That’s where Georgia comes in: The state is already the top exporter of items like aircraft engines, peanuts and paper, but there is ample room to further connect innovation ecosystems in mutually strong areas like advanced manufacturing, renewable energy and financial technology. With investments in the state, Danish firms like water meter maker Kamstrup, aerospace manufacturer Terma and vehicle exhaust system maker Dinex Group have already laid the groundwork for greater collaboration. 

Join Global Atlanta on April 12 at 11 a.m. for an in-depth conversation with Ambassador Berit Basse, Denmark’s consul general New York, whose office covers economic relations with Georgia and most of the East Coast. 

Christopher N. Smith, Denmark’s honorary consul in Georgia, will provide opening remarks. 

Discussion Topics: 

• Ambassador Basse’s work in Singapore, Africa and beyond and how it exemplifies Denmark’s solutions-oriented economic diplomacy
  
• Danish investment in Georgia
  
• Role of innovation and manufacturing partnerships in meeting Denmark’s climate goals
  
• Denmark’s approach to COVID-19
  
• Potential partnerships in forestry, fintech and beyond
  

About the Consular Conversations series:  

Sponsored by Miller & Martin PLLC since its inception in 2016, Global Atlanta’s Consular Conversations series consists of monthly public interviews with consuls general in the Southeast United States. Traditionally held as in-person luncheons in Midtown Atlanta, the series transitioned to virtual forums with the arrival of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020. 

About the Consul General, Ambassador Berit Basse:

Ambassador Basse has enjoyed an expansive diplomatic career that has taken her around the world — from Senegal and Munich to Singapore and Uganda.

From 2012 to 2016, Amb. Basse served as Denmark’s Ambassador to Singapore and Brunei, successfully overseeing key commercial and diplomatic relationships between Denmark and the two States. She has also served as First Secretary at the Embassy of Denmark in Uganda and Consul General of Denmark in Munich, Germany.  

Meanwhile, from 1992 to 1996, the Ambassador worked on several development projects for the United Nations Development Programme in Senegal. Immediately prior to her New York posting, Ambassador Basse also led the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ department in charge of client relations and global commercial opportunities.

Ambassador Basse assumed her role at the helm of Denmark In New York on September 1st, 2020.

About Honorary Consul Christopher N. Smith: 

Christopher N. Smith, an attorney in Macon, Ga., represents Denmark in the state as honorary consul.

Since 1991, Chris Smith’s law practice has helped individuals and businesses alike with a broad range of business and personal matters. Chris has developed a reputation of excellence for providing thoughtful guidance and representation in every scenario to clients throughout the state of Georgia and across the United States. Chris has also represented clients from Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas assisting with their business needs associated with doing business in the United States. Conversely he has represented many American companies with issues they face doing business abroad.