SE26 Talks – Social Sustainability offered a day filled with dialogue and engagement

SE26 Talks – Social Sustainability brought together representatives from the business community, the public sector, civil society, and the nonprofit sector for a day filled with knowledge-sharing, the exchange of experiences, and discussions on how we can work together to build a safer, more inclusive, and sustainable society.

Through inspiring presentations and subsequent panel discussions, participants shared experiences, perspectives, and concrete examples of how social sustainability can be strengthened in the workplace, residential areas, and local communities.

The day began with a focus on sustainable work life and a values-driven culture. Several speakers emphasized the importance of creating workplaces where people can thrive and grow over time. Issues such as mental health, leadership, and domestic violence were highlighted as key components of workplace safety efforts. Among other things, the discussion addressed how increased awareness of the various forms of violence and the courage to ask questions can contribute to safer workplaces and better support for employees.

During a session themed Neighborhood and Community, interactions between people took center stage. Skebo discussed its work on the initiatives “Våga bry dig” and “Hej Granne!”, while Riksbyggen and Brf Skellefteåhus 12 demonstrated how shared activities can foster engagement and strengthen cohesion in residential areas. The Church of Sweden highlighted the importance of relationships and social presence in combating loneliness, and the marketing unit at Skellefteå Municipality discussed the “Big Neighborhood Party” initiative, which aims to create new connections and strengthen community for residents in a growing municipality.

After lunch, the focus turned to the built environment and how social sustainability can be integrated into community planning and urban development. Skellefteå Municipality, Region Västerbotten, and Tengbom presented a pilot project in which safety, health, and inclusion served as the starting points for the work. Through dialogue, analysis, and collaboration, the project has explored how gathering places and public spaces can contribute to increased well-being and safety.

During the afternoon session on safety, accessibility, and inclusion, the importance of civil society for a sustainable society was highlighted. Region Västerbotten, the Red Cross, Men for Women’s Safety, and the Northern Regional Cancer Center shared examples of how collaboration, volunteer efforts, and preventive work can contribute to greater equality, better health, and stronger social networks.

The day concluded with a focus on the living environments of children and young people. Representatives from the sports movement, RFSU, and the business community emphasized the importance of safe environments, positive role models, and collaboration among various stakeholders to provide children and young people with the best possible conditions to grow and develop.

Throughout the day, the same message recurred: social sustainability is created together. Whether it concerns workplaces, residential areas, community life, or urban planning, collaboration, commitment, and a long-term perspective are required to build a society where people feel safe, included, and well.

SE26 Talks is Society Expo’s recurring series of discussions where current social issues are addressed through short presentations followed by moderated panel discussions. By bringing together different perspectives, an arena is created for the exchange of knowledge, sharing of experiences, and discussions on the issues that shape the sustainable society of the future.