Workshop on social norms

Tuesday, March 19th

The previous day Crown Princess Mary attended the opening of Green Challenge, here. On Tuesday she then participated a workshop on social norms with the Mary Foundation and close collaborators. It took place at Amalienborg Castle in Copenhagen.

Crown Princess Mary had invited Professor Ben Cislaghi from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. He is an expert in, among others things, the influence of social norms on our health. Chief psychologist, Ditte Charles from the Psychiatric Foundation also participated the workshop with a presentation on how social norms are so important to us and why it is not always easy to break with the social norms of society. That is some of the things the Mary Foundation shared themselves in the Facebook-post below on occasion of the workshop.

Later she met with the new CEO of Dansk Flygtningehjælp, Agi Csonka and Secretary General, Christian Friis Bach and Communications Director Annette Spanggaard, here. Crown Princess Mary has been patron for Dansk Flygtningehjælp for quite some time. She was given an insight into the global refugee situation and several of the organization's activities that should function as lasting solutions for refugees around the world. In addition, the meeting also had focus on upcoming activities.

'Green Challenge'

Monday, March 18th

Crown Princess is back home from Texas. Meanwhile her husband is in Argentina along with his mother, Crown Princess Mary arrived to University of Copenhagen to attend the launch of Green Challenge.

Green Challenge is a research competition which aims to solve some of the climate- and environmental challenges the world is facing. Researchers will collaborate with companies and organizations to compete to develop the three best solutions that benefit both the environment and climate. The competition runs until 2023. The best solution will be rewarded with 9 million Danish kroner to realize the research solution technologically and commercially.

During her visit at University of Copenhagen she was accompanied by Danish Minster of Education and Research, Tommy Ahlers. Both of them showed great interested in what they were told and shown. As always Crown Princess Mary was in a brilliant mood - sincere, committed and curious.

Day 3. Business and cultural promotion in Texas

Wednesday, March 13th

Crown Princess Mary already enjoyed two days in both Austin and Houston, Texas.

The finial day has come. In the morning she arrived to attend the launch of a health care collaboration between Texas and Denmark. It took place at Texas Medical Center. That is the world's largest hospital with more than 100,000 employees working with leading treatment programs. Multiple opportunities to collaborate was discussed as part of the launch. The Crown Princess also got a chance to meet with CEO of Texas Medical Center, William McKeon.

A couple of hours later, Crown Princess Mary arrived to attend the conference CERAWeek about energi. Several Danish companies participated the conference along with the Crown Princess. At CERAWeek solutions were shared and discussed by all the participating companies, scientists, politicians, etc. The Crown Princess also entered the stage herself and held a speech.

In the afternoon she attended the opening of 'Statecraft: Selections from the Jewelry Collection of the Danish Arts Foundation' at Houston Center for Contemporary Crafts. The exhibition shows a unique collection from the Danish Arts Foundation from mid 20th century till today.

From what I see it looks like the Crown Princess really enjoyed her last day. From early morning till late afternoon she was one big smile. My guess is that she had some wonderful days in Texas. About a month from now she is joined by her husband on a trip to South Korea. I already look forward to another trip abroad.

Day 2. Business and cultural promotion in Texas

Tuesday, March 12th

For three days the Crown Princess is on a business and cultural visit in Austin and Houston, Texas, USA. About now she has attended both an event to promote women leaders, payed a visit to 'Danish Gastronomy - A Michelin experience' and met with Texas' Governor, here.

On Tuesday, March 11, Crown Princess Mary had traveled to Houston. She was warmly welcomed with a meeting with Houstons Mayor, Sylvester Turner at Houston City Hall. What a friendly and smiling man Sylvester Turner. I am sure he was more than proud to welcome the Crown Princess to his city and tell her all about how wonderful it is. As part of the welcoming ceremony she also attended the launch of a collaboration between Houston and Denmark focusing on urban development and climate adaptation. It is all about sharing visions, ideas and technology to be able to withstand climate changes. And really, Crown Princess Mary was in a great spirit. She was all smiles and happy eyes.