Philip Hyldgaard

Philip Hyldgaard, Global Operations Manager for The A21 Campaign, helped establish the organization's first office in Greece, and opened their first shelter.

Because of his dedication to victim protection and support, The A21 Campaign was able to offer shelter to 21 victims of sex trafficking in 2011. These victims also received vocational training, computer skills, life and education guidance, counseling, and access to legal assistance through its transition program, Empower. Mr. Hyldgaard’s vision and guidance have led to the establishment of a nationwide hotline to report suspected cases of human trafficking and to increase awareness among government officials, students, and the general public in Greece about the scourge of human trafficking. Under his leadership, The A21 Campaign continues to work tirelessly to educate and enlist new partners through its growing internship program and various outreach and awareness-raising initiatives. His energy and commitment have helped expand The A21 Campaign, since its inception in 2008, to other countries including Bulgaria, the Ukraine, the UK, and the United States. He  spoke at the European Parliament in 2014, for an event meant to target NGOs and the general public in order to dialogue about human trafficking in Europe, and continues to be active and influential in Greece as well as in Europe as a whole. He now leads the global team at The A21 Campaign as their Executive Director, overseeing their work in their 11 different country and fundraising offices around the world. 

In 2014, Greece was listed as a Tier 2 country. It is a source, transit, and destination country. While the country continues to pass appropriate legislation, it does not provide the victim support and services that are necessary.