From Belgrade to International Media
How One Keynote Presentation Sparked an International Conversation on Adoption, Identity and Human Rights
Following my keynote presentation at the International Congress on Adoption and Human Rights in Belgrade, Serbia, I was invited to participate in an in-depth interview with Canadian journalist Scott Douglas Jacobsen. What began as a single conversation has since evolved into a series of international publications and video interviews, bringing my story—and the broader issues of adoption, identity, human rights and the search for biological truth—to readers and audiences around the world.
In May 2026, I was honoured to deliver a keynote presentation at the International Congress on Adoption and Human Rights in Belgrade, Serbia.
The congress brought together adoptees, researchers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, journalists and human rights advocates from around the world to discuss the future of international adoption, identity, ethics and human rights.
Drawing on more than 30 years of experience as a Registered Nurse together with my lived experience as an intercountry adoptee from Bangladesh, I shared my personal journey—from being adopted to Sweden as a young child, living for almost fifty years believing official adoption records stating that my biological mother had died, to ultimately reconnecting with my biological family through DNA after decades of searching.
Following my presentation, Canadian journalist Scott Douglas Jacobsen invited me to participate in an extensive interview exploring not only my personal journey but also the wider questions it raises about identity, transparency, family separation, illegal adoption, child trafficking, mental health and human rights.
The original interview has since been developed into multiple articles and video interviews, each exploring different aspects of adoption, identity, human rights, family separation, biological truth and the lifelong search for one's origins.
Although rooted in my own lived experience, these interviews explore issues that extend far beyond one individual. They examine adoption ethics, identity, transparency, human rights and the lifelong impact of family separation—issues that continue to shape international conversations among adoptees, researchers, healthcare professionals, journalists and policymakers.
Together, these publications have helped broaden the international conversation surrounding ethical intercountry adoption, identity, human rights and the importance of listening to lived experience.
My hope is that these conversations will contribute to greater transparency, stronger human rights, better support for adoptees and their families, and inspire others who continue searching for the truth about their own lives.
International Publications & Interviews
🥇 The Good Men Project
Adoption, Identity and the Search for Biological Truth
Published: 6 June 2026
An internationally recognised online publication featuring long-form journalism, interviews and social commentary. This feature explores adoption, identity, biological truth and the lifelong search for belonging.
https://goodmenproject.com/featured-content/sofia-nordgren-adoption-identity-biological-truth-sjbn/
🥈 The Washington Outsider
Illegal Adoption, Emotional Justice and Biological Truth
Published: 7 July 2026
An in-depth interview focusing on illegal adoption, emotional justice, identity restoration, transparency, accountability and the importance of restoring identity through truth.
🥉 A Further Inquiry
Truth-Telling, Adoption and Identity
A long-form interview exploring truth-telling, adoption ethics, identity, lived experience and why adoptee perspectives are essential in conversations shaping future policy and public understanding.
https://afurtherinquiry.substack.com/p/sofia-nordgren-on-truth-telling-adoption
Vocal Media
Illegal Adoption, Identity and the Search for Biological Family
Published: 2 August 2026
An international feature exploring family reunification, biological identity and the lifelong emotional impact of international adoption.
Video Interviews
Emotional Reparations, Adoption Records and Healing Through Truth
A conversation exploring emotional healing, identity restoration and why truth, acknowledgement and transparency are essential parts of healing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLJzHWoX_1o
International Adoption, Child Trafficking and the Profit Behind Stolen Children
A discussion examining international adoption, child trafficking, ethics, accountability and the importance of protecting every child's fundamental rights.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfDIAMXPBuI
About Scott Douglas Jacobsen
Scott Douglas Jacobsen is a Canadian journalist, interviewer and editor whose work focuses on psychology, philosophy, science, ethics, public policy and human rights. Through interviews with researchers, authors, healthcare professionals and advocates from around the world, his work contributes to international conversations that promote knowledge, dialogue and social change.
Looking Ahead
While my journey began with the search for my own identity, it has become part of a much larger international conversation about truth, ethics, human rights and every child's right to know their origins.
I hope these interviews and publications contribute to greater awareness, encourage ethical reform, strengthen support for adoptees and their families, and inspire others who continue searching for the truth about their own lives.
My sincere thanks to Scott Douglas Jacobsen for helping bring these important conversations to an international audience.