Laughter, warmth and fellowship to define the FISU World Forum at Mid Sweden University
Mid Sweden University and Östersund will host one of the world’s most important events for university sport, education and leadership this summer. When the FISU World Forum gathers around 200 participants from across the globe, a sense of fellowship will go hand in hand with knowledge and learning.
Some 40 countries will be represented at the conference, with registered participants including students and staff from national university sports federations, university representatives, expert keynote speakers and delegates from FISU (the International University Sports Federation).
“Our main theme revolves around an active lifestyle and a healthy mind, and we want to demonstrate the powerful impact that sport can have within universities. We have also included three sub-themes focusing on creating a healthy campus, student sport events as a driver for inclusion, and how universities can create better conditions for student-athletes pursuing dual careers,” says Agnes Wredenberg, Director of the Sports Academy at Mid Sweden University.
The FISU World Forum is an international university sports forum held every two years, with a rotating host location. The 2026 forum will take place from 24–28 August and is being organised by Mid Sweden University, Swedish University Sports Federation (SAIF), Region Jämtland Härjedalen, Östersund Municipality and FISU.
Behind the event is a large organisation, but volunteers will also play a vital role. Eli Berglund is Volunteer Coordinator for the FISU World Forum:
“I want to showcase the fantastic university sports culture we have in Sweden and in Östersund, which is quite unique. Here, student sport can mean barbecuing sausages and relaxing in a sauna with friends — something that might seem quite unusual in many other countries. The week will offer exciting encounters between different cultures and be characterised by warmth and a strong sense of community.”
The programme includes lectures, workshops and panel discussions, as well as study visits to Mid Sweden University’s various research laboratories. Among the keynote speakers are internationally recognised experts who will contribute both cutting-edge research and practical insights.
One of them is Johanna S:t Clair Renard, former Chair of Swedish University Sports, who is keen to share her pride in university sport as a concept:
“I will speak about how university sport can help individuals thrive, strengthen universities and destinations, and highlight leadership as a key factor for success. I am very much looking forward to meeting inspiring people from around the world, learning from one another through sport, sharing laughter, and highlighting the enormous positive power of international university sport.”
“I was a student ambassador for Mid Sweden University and Sweden during the FISU World Forum in Zagreb in 2024 and have been active in ÖSIS and SAIF. That is why it feels natural for me to get involved this year. Welcoming the world to a city I care deeply about feels very special,” adds Eli Berglund.
Read more about the FISU World Forum.
FISU World Forum on Instagram.
FISU official website.
Contacts:
Agnes Wredenberg, Director of the Sports Academy at Mid Sweden University, +46 72-581 87 22, agnes.wredenberg@miun.se
Eli Berglund, Volunteer Coordinator for the FISU World Forum, eliberglund@outlook.com
Johanna S:t Clair Renard, keynote speaker at the FISU World Forum, johanna.x.renard@gmail.com
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