Background

When Skellefteå Municipality’s Development Strategy 2030 was drawn up in 2015, stable growth was anticipated. The reality, however, turned out differently. A community development that would normally take 40 years is now being achieved within a decade. This accelerated transformation presents both opportunities and challenges:

• How do we develop the city sustainably without losing security and our social values?
• How can we meet new needs quickly without losing sight of people’s everyday lives?
• How do we manage conflicting objectives during such rapid community change?
  

To support development and attract more residents, issues such as housing provision and sustainability have taken centre stage. The initial concept of a housing fair evolved into a broader expo, where additional societal issues such as mobility, skills supply, and social sustainability are highlighted.

In December 2020, the government appointed a coordinator for the development of northern Sweden, and in the final report of 2022, Skellefteå was identified as a key player in building the communities of the future. In November 2021, the municipal executive board was tasked with exploring a housing fair, which led to a preliminary study for a broader expo. In January 2023, the municipal council decided to proceed with Society Expo 2026.

Two components form the foundation of SE26:

Development Work: A rapid and sustainable community transformation process.

The 2026 Expo: An event that showcases progress and inspires future solutions.

SE26 is more than an exhibition – it is a testbed and meeting place for innovation and collaboration. Focusing on Skellefteå’s rapid transformation and its pivotal role in Sweden’s future, SE26 acts as a catalyst for the Development Strategy 2030 and is a key element in creating a sustainable future.

To build a sustainable and innovative future, we must face today’s challenges with both courage and collaboration.

Society Expo 2026 shines a light on the issues defining our era – inspiring solutions that truly make a difference. In a world affected by climate change, social inequalities, and rapid technological advances, we have the opportunity to rethink and rebuild our way of living.

Our greatest challenges include:

• Sustainable Transition: How can we balance growth with environmental responsibility in a way that benefits both people and the planet?
• Technological Development: How can innovations be seamlessly integrated into daily life to enhance well-being and promote equality?
• Social Inclusion: How do we create communities where everyone has a place and feels involved in the journey of change?

Society Expo 2026 is a meeting point where we not only discuss these challenges but also explore and develop solutions together. Through collaboration across different sectors and perspectives, we are building a future that is both sustainable and human.