SE26 Showcases Skellefteå and Explores Sustainable Solutions

Something unique is happening here in Skellefteå. Here and northern Sweden have become the epicentre of an extraordinary societal transformation. After decades of population stagnation, a determined effort began in 2012 to enhance Skellefteå’s appeal and develop a long-term growth strategy. In just six years, Skellefteå has experienced growth of a magnitude rarely seen in European cities. Today, Skellefteå faces new challenges. The societal transformation continues!
We are proud of our collective journey of development – and we want to share it with the world. We do this through Society Expo 2026, a global event where we spotlight Skellefteå and explore sustainable solutions to the challenges we face.

Welcome to Society Expo 2026

From 27 May to 9 June 2026, we will gather in Skellefteå for Society Expo 2026 – a global event where we share our journey and jointly explore sustainable solutions for the challenges of the future. Over 14 days, we invite residents, decision-makers, researchers and businesses to discover how initiative, innovation and collaboration are shaping the sustainable society of tomorrow.

Skellefteå 2030 – the Foundation of Our Work

Our pursuit of a sustainable societal transformation is a key part of Skellefteå 2030 – the region’s shared development strategy. By focusing on education, employment, healthcare, social care, leisure and openness, we are building a robust foundation for the future. This holistic approach to environmental, economic and social sustainability is the basis for Society Expo 2026.

As our circumstances change, new challenges arise. The societal transformation continues. With Society Expo, we aim to foster new collaborations where actors – from residents and policymakers to researchers – come together to test and develop ideas, solutions and tools that contribute to genuine change.

SE26 offers a unique opportunity to both showcase successful projects and highlight the challenges we face – with the event itself serving as a driving force for development. Through this, we can discover new ways to strengthen our region and develop solutions that have impact far beyond Sweden’s borders. The goal is to find knowledge and tools that not only make a difference at home – but also have an international impact.

Focus on Social Sustainability

Perhaps the greatest challenge of all is social sustainability. It is also an area we particularly want to highlight during the Expo. Societal transformation does not happen on its own – it happens when people come together and dare to try new things.

That is why everyone is invited to participate in Society Expo 2026: residents, businesses, researchers, politicians, investors and voluntary organisations. Together, we will explore how a rapid – and sustainable – transformation can be achieved.

A warm welcome to Society Expo 2026. Meet people. Fix Future.

📅 Date: 27 May–9 June 2026
📍 Location: Skellefteå, Sweden
🎯 Focus: Societal transformation with people at the centre

Find out more: