New Swedish expert group to strengthen Sweden’s future role in global health
Karolinska Institutet is leading a new initiative to establish an independent Swedish expert group that will develop strategic recommendations for Sweden’s future engagement in global health. A broader reference group comprising key stakeholders from across society are now gathering in Stockholm to support the work. The findings will be presented in a report in early 2027.
Global health is at a crossroads. Geopolitical change, climate change, armed conflict, economic instability, increasing inequity and poverty, and declining international aid are rapidly reshaping the conditions for health as well as for the global health institutions that many of us are taking for granted such as the United Nations and the World Health Organisation (WHO). At the same time, the risks posed by future security risks, pandemics and other major public health threats are growing.
These developments present considerable challenges but also opportunities for cooperation, research, and innovation. The need for evidence-based analysis, clear priorities, and well-founded policy decisions is greater than it has been for many years.
Sweden has an important role to play
For decades, Sweden has played a prominent role in global health through research, development cooperation, diplomacy, innovation, and international partnerships, amplifying the voices of people left behind in the Global North and South and advancing its vision for development and collaboration. Swedish contributions have supported progress in areas including maternal and child health, sexual and reproductive health and rights, health and community systems strengthening, infectious diseases, and antimicrobial resistance.
“Sweden has the knowledge, experience, and international relationships needed to continue playing an important role in improving health worldwide. However, this requires us to see beyond our national borders to analyse the new landscape and make strategic decisions about where Sweden can and wants to have the greatest impact over the coming decade,” says Anna Mia Ekström, infectious disease physician and professor at the Department of Global Public Health at Karolinska Institutet and co-chair of the expert group.
In the debate that preceded the recent Swedish parliamentary elections, concepts such as global health or health security were clearly absent.
“Global health is not only a matter of solidarity. Children’s health, pandemics, antimicrobial resistance, climate-related health risks, and fragile health systems also affect Sweden. Investments in global health are therefore investments in our shared security and preparedness,” says Tobias Alfvén, paediatrician and professor at the same department and the second co-chair of the expert group.
Independent, cross-sectoral expert group
The Swedish Global Health Expert Group consists of 15 members with experience from academia and research, government and public agencies, civil society, the private sector and innovation, philanthropy and development finance, and international organisations. The initiative is coordinated by a secretariat absed at the Department of Global Public Health.
Participants serve in their personal capacities and do not represent their employers or organisations. The report will reflect their independent expert judgement.
The group will analyse key challenges and opportunities and provide actionable recommendations on how Sweden can strengthen its contribution to global health over the coming decade. Its work will address Sweden’s comparative advantages, international partnerships, and opportunities across research, innovation, development cooperation, diplomacy, and trade.
Particular attention will be given to priorities that remain relevant across a range of plausible future scenarios. The aim is not to predict the future but to identify robust actions that remain effective as global conditions change.
Broad reference group to strengthen engagement
A larger reference group of Swedish and international key stakeholders, representing diverse sectors, experiences, and perspectives, will also be invited to participate in the dialogue. The reference group will provide independent advice, diverse perspectives, and critical review to strengthen the report’s relevance, credibility, and usefulness to decision-makers and stakeholders. Its involvement will help build broad ownership of the process and ensure that the report draws on experience from across Sweden’s global health community.
Report to be presented in early 2027
The report, to be published in early 2027, will present a forward-looking assessment of Sweden’s role, an analysis of key trends, risks, and opportunities, and strategic recommendations for stronger Swedish leadership and engagement. It will be widely disseminated to policymakers, organisations, and other stakeholders in Sweden and internationally.