The Embassy of Denmark in Pretoria has welcomed six new interns who will contribute to Denmark’s diplomatic engagement and cooperation with South Africa and the wider region over the next six months.
On 3 August, the Embassy welcomed Freja Høg, Rikke Malou Hansen, Asta Riis, Caroline Mouret, Niclas Westberg and David Lemser as they began their respective internships across key areas including strategic sector cooperation, economic diplomacy, political affairs, communications and public diplomacy.
The six interns bring diverse academic backgrounds and expertise, with their placements supporting the Embassy’s work in areas of strategic importance to Denmark–South Africa relations.
Meet the Six New Interns
Freja Høg – Strategic Sector Cooperation: Energy & Patent
Freja Høg joins the Embassy as a Strategic Sector Cooperation intern focusing on Energy and Patent matters.
She is pursuing a Master’s degree in Economics at the University of Copenhagen, bringing an economic perspective to Denmark’s cooperation in areas related to energy and innovation.
Rikke Malou Hansen – Strategic Sector Cooperation: Cities
Rikke Malou Hansen joins the Strategic Sector Cooperation team with a focus on Cities.
She is a Master’s student of Environmental and Natural Resource Economics at the University of Copenhagen, with her academic background aligning closely with issues surrounding sustainable urban development, environmental policy and resource management.
Caroline Mouret – Economic Diplomacy
Caroline Mouret takes on the role of Economic Diplomacy intern at the Embassy.
She is pursuing a Master’s degree in International Business & Politics at Copenhagen Business School. Her placement will contribute to the Embassy’s economic diplomacy work and engagement around commercial and economic relations.
Asta Riis – Political Affairs
Asta Riis joins the Embassy as a Political intern.
She is a Master’s student of Global Development at the University of Copenhagen, bringing an international development perspective to the Embassy’s political and diplomatic work.
Niclas Westberg – Strategic Sector Cooperation: Agriculture, Food & Water
Niclas Westberg joins the Strategic Sector Cooperation team, focusing on Agriculture & Food and Water.
He is pursuing a Master’s degree in Political Science at the University of Southern Denmark. His placement contributes to cooperation in sectors that are important to sustainable development, food security, agriculture and water management.
David Lemser – Communications & Public Diplomacy
David Lemser joins the Embassy as a Communications and Public Diplomacy intern.
He is a Bachelor’s student of Journalism at the Danish School of Media and Journalism, bringing a communications and media perspective to the Embassy’s public diplomacy activities.
Supporting Denmark–South Africa Relations
The arrival of the six interns reflects the broad range of areas in which Denmark and South Africa engage, from energy, cities, agriculture and water to economic diplomacy, political affairs and public diplomacy.
Their six-month placements provide an opportunity to gain practical experience in diplomacy while contributing to the Embassy’s ongoing work in South Africa and the region.
The programme also highlights the importance of creating opportunities for young professionals and students to gain first-hand experience of international relations and diplomatic work.
With six new interns joining different teams across the Embassy, the programme brings together six bright minds, diverse academic backgrounds and one shared mission: to strengthen Denmark’s relations with South Africa and the wider region.
Denmark–South Africa Cooperation
The interns will work alongside Embassy officials and contribute to ongoing initiatives and engagements throughout their six-month placements.
Their work will form part of the Embassy of Denmark in Pretoria’s broader efforts to advance cooperation and strengthen connections between Denmark and South Africa across political, economic, environmental and societal fields.
As the six interns begin their journey in Pretoria, they bring fresh perspectives and new energy to the Embassy’s work, while gaining valuable experience in diplomacy and international cooperation.
