“To live in a free, democratic world we need to see the challenges, face them together and make an impact.”
(inspired by Bill Gates)
OUR STORY
Who we are
A world of differences
Entrepreneur & Business Developer
Kristina Rosic
Founder & Secretary General
I started the NGO Aikkiya because I believe empathy is a powerful tool against division and extremism. With a background in business development and grassroots initiatives, I’ve seen how inclusion and dialogue can create real change. Currently studying Development and International Cooperation, I’m passionate about building bridges between people and ideas. Aikkiya reflects the values I stand for—peace, responsibility, and courageous engagement—and gives me a platform to turn those values into meaningful action.
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Some Background
My full name is Kristina Zahida Cassandra Rosic and I thought about how it was possible that prejudice and exclusion grew in my immediate vicinity in connection with the refugee wave that came to Europe in 2015. I could not in my wildest imagination understand why people should be different in relation to cultural background and or believes. Separating us based on words and actions makes all the more sense in my world. Still I could see that fear was spreading all around.
I wondered what my generation was leaving behind and the idea of Aikkiya was born at a lunch table with some family-members where we discussed the subject on which one says; “a symbol can gather like-minded people to stand up for democracy and humans rights” and I found my calling.
I was going to create a symbol against all forms of extremism. To unite people over religious believes and preconceptions, just as I had the fortune to be raised.
Since then, the organisation has emerged and we are convinced that a majority of people are good and the political situation in the world now, creates distance and exclusion. Democracy needs support in order to function. We reason that a symbol with values that cherish diversity, can help different philosophies and lifestyles find common grounds to safeguard democracy. When citizens feel secure and free to act responsibly, we can protect the humanity.
As children we were taught the difference between good and evil, no matter what you had for ancestry or faith. Our childhood home was always welcoming people regardless of ethnicity, religion or background with respect and reverence, for all of equal value. Our home was always full of people who socialised and cooperated.
We welcome you to join this journey where differences bring us together on common grounds.
Gamechangers behind NGO Aikkiya
Master of Laws (LL.M.) & in Human Rights
Maria Appelblom
Chairperson of the Board
As a human rights’ lawyer and with many years of experience as strategic manager in government administration and in the United Nations as well as engagement in civil society organizations, I joined NGO Aikkiya because I believe in equality and human rights for all, independent of roots, nationality, background etc. I sincerely want to contribute with what I can to make the world a better place. Nobody can do everything but everybody can do something to contribute to enhancing human rights and meaningful development for all.
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Flata Mwale
Vice Chairperson of the Board
I started the NGO Aikkiya because I believe empathy is a powerful tool against division and extremism. With a background in business development and grassroots initiatives, I’ve seen how inclusion and dialogue can create real change. Currently studying Development and International Cooperation, I’m passionate about building bridges between people and ideas. Aikkiya reflects the values I stand for—peace, responsibility, and courageous engagement—and gives me a platform to turn those values into meaningful action.
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Chirin Barikan
Boardmember and Secretary of the Board
I started the NGO Aikkiya because I believe empathy is a powerful tool against division and extremism. With a background in business development and grassroots initiatives, I’ve seen how inclusion and dialogue can create real change. Currently studying Development and International Cooperation, I’m passionate about building bridges between people and ideas. Aikkiya reflects the values I stand for—peace, responsibility, and courageous engagement—and gives me a platform to turn those values into meaningful action.
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Sofie Lindegren
Boardmember
I started the NGO Aikkiya because I believe empathy is a powerful tool against division and extremism. With a background in business development and grassroots initiatives, I’ve seen how inclusion and dialogue can create real change. Currently studying Development and International Cooperation, I’m passionate about building bridges between people and ideas. Aikkiya reflects the values I stand for—peace, responsibility, and courageous engagement—and gives me a platform to turn those values into meaningful action.
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Security Consulting Senior Manager
Boris Petit
Advisory Boardmember
I started the NGO Aikkiya because I believe empathy is a powerful tool against division and extremism. With a background in business development and grassroots initiatives, I’ve seen how inclusion and dialogue can create real change. Currently studying Development and International Cooperation, I’m passionate about building bridges between people and ideas. Aikkiya reflects the values I stand for—peace, responsibility, and courageous engagement—and gives me a platform to turn those values into meaningful action.
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Khadijah Surakat
Volunteer Social Media Manager
I started the NGO Aikkiya because I believe empathy is a powerful tool against division and extremism. With a background in business development and grassroots initiatives, I’ve seen how inclusion and dialogue can create real change. Currently studying Development and International Cooperation, I’m passionate about building bridges between people and ideas. Aikkiya reflects the values I stand for—peace, responsibility, and courageous engagement—and gives me a platform to turn those values into meaningful action.
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Elvira Jansson
Volunteer Content Writer/Journalist at The Unity Gazette
I started the NGO Aikkiya because I believe empathy is a powerful tool against division and extremism. With a background in business development and grassroots initiatives, I’ve seen how inclusion and dialogue can create real change. Currently studying Development and International Cooperation, I’m passionate about building bridges between people and ideas. Aikkiya reflects the values I stand for—peace, responsibility, and courageous engagement—and gives me a platform to turn those values into meaningful action.
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We are deeply committed to the values of empathy, inclusion, and dialogue. In a world where fear and division are growing, we believe Aikkiya’s focus on bridging differences and standing up against extremism is more important than ever. Creating spaces where people feel seen, safe, and respected is at the heart of the change we want to help build.
