During Almedalen 2026, SweDev participated to spotlight the importance of research‑based knowledge in addressing global challenges. Emma Elfversson, Magdalena Eriksson and Frida Palmén represented the network on-site. Through two panel discussions co-organised with GlobeLife, the network emphasised Sweden’s role as a knowledge nation and the value of interdisciplinary, long‑term collaboration alongside rising challenges with cuts in aid and funding.
From left: Magdalena Eriksson, Emma Elfversson and Frida Palmén
During Almedalen 2026, SweDev participated to spotlight the importance of research‑based knowledge in addressing global challenges. Through two panel discussions co-organised with GlobeLife on global health, climate change, and equitable knowledge partnerships, the network emphasised Sweden’s role as a knowledge nation and the value of interdisciplinary, long‑term collaboration alongside rising challenges with cuts in aid and funding.
During Almedalen Week 2026, SweDev was represented in Visby, taking part in two panel discussions on global health and knowledge partnerships, organised together with GlobeLife (an initiative between Uppsala University and Karolinska Institutet). Emma Elfversson (program director), Magdalena Eriksson (Executive Committee member) and Frida Palmén (coordinator) represented the network on-site.
The first panel, Global health in a time of climate change – what role should Sweden play?, explored how climate impacts such as heat, drought, displacement and conflict disproportionately affect the most vulnerable. Speakers highlighted the need for interdisciplinary knowledge, locally grounded insights, and stronger links between research and policy. Emma Elfversson emphasised Sweden’s responsibility as a knowledge nation and the value of development research for evidence-based policies, noting SweDev’s role in connecting researchers across fields and promoting mutual learning in global partnerships. The discussion underscored that effective climate adaptation requires an understanding of both political, ecological and socioeconomic processes in order to strengthen resilience, and ensure that vulnerable groups are not left behind.
The second panel, Strengthening mutual knowledge exchange and capacity building in global health, focused on how research collaborations can become more transformative and equitable. Speakers stressed that knowledge transfer is rarely linear; instead, partnerships themselves generate new insights. Magdalena Eriksson highlighted the importance of deep problem understanding, cross‑sector collaboration, and long‑term engagement. The panel also raised critical questions about historical power dynamics, the need for strong local anchoring, and how Sweden can support more diversified and reciprocal knowledge exchange through the use of valuable sources of networks such as SweDev.
Across both panels, SweDev contributed to a broader conversation about the value of development research in navigating complex global challenges. The discussions reaffirmed the importance of evidence‑informed policymaking, interdisciplinary collaboration, and partnerships built on trust and reciprocity.