World-leading voices ready for Society Expo 2026

Society Expo 2026 brings together international, national, and local meetings, conferences, and knowledge programs, alongside exhibitions, art, music, theater, and dance. For 14 days, Skellefteå will be transformed into a vibrant platform for dialogue, learning, and collaboration on some of the most complex social issues of our time. The programs differ in content, language, and target audience, but are united by a common focus: knowledge as a driving force in an ongoing social transformation.

Inauguration knowledge program: Sustainability begins with knowledge

On the opening day, May 28, 2026, leading voices from business, academia, and the public sector will gather at Stage 1 in Sara Kulturhus, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:45 p.m., under the theme Sustainability begins with knowledge.

Here, Helena Helmersson will highlight cross-border collaboration as the superpower of the future, Annika Winsth will shed light on how economic trends and social changes affect our ability to adapt, and Kjell A. Nordström will give his analysis of how the global map is being redrawn in a changing world. The program also includes a panel discussion on what real success means, as well as a look ahead to the coming days of the expo.

The program is free of charge and open to everyone.
Tickets can be booked at www.se26.se External link..

International Headline: Our Time on Earth

One of Society Expo's international highlights is the independent, English-language knowledge program "Our Time on Earth, " which will take place on Friday, June 5.

Here, Johan Rockström, director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, and Mattias Klum will meet in the lecture “The human quest – abundance within planetary boundaries.” Based on science and visual storytelling, they explore how human well-being can develop within the planet’s sustainable limits – and what is required to navigate the global societal transformation we are currently experiencing.

Despite the seriousness of the topic, the program conveys a strong and hopeful message. The lecture will be followed by a discussion and questions from the audience and is aimed at both the general public and professionals.

The program is free of charge.
Tickets will be released on February 9.