Are you ready for 2026?

Make sure to reserve your spot at the most important future conference of the year in the Winter Garden at the Grand Hôtel as we kick off 2026. 

Why?

We are entering a new world order with far-reaching consequences for security, trade, and politics. New alliances are emerging while the war in Europe remains unresolved. At the same time, the green transition must push ahead, AI starts to have a real impact on jobs, and competition over critical minerals, new materials, and breakthrough technologies—such as gene editing, humanoid robotics, and new space missions—is intensifying.

Demography and the race for talent and skilled expertise are reshaping competitiveness, as the United States marks its 250th anniversary and co-hosts the World Cup with Canada and Mexico.

In Sweden, national elections add another piece to the global puzzle that affects us all.

At Världen 2026, experts, business leaders, and analysts come together to deliver insights on the greatest challenges—and opportunities—shaping 2026.

Join us in Stockholm on January 15th, when Tom Standage, deputy editor of The Economist and editor of The World Ahead 2026, will share his predictions for the year ahead.

The event will bring together intellectually curious readers of The Economist from business, government and academia, alongside experts and inspiring speakers. Mr Standage and Alasdair Ross, Countries editor, will discuss the key events and trends to watch in 2026. And, being in Sweden’s capital, guests will also be invited to share their own insights, hopes and concerns about the future of Northern Europe.

We will map the most disruptive trends and questions for 2026 within:
➤ Geopolitics
➤ Business & Finance
➤ Science & Technology
➤ Lifestyle & Culture

📍 Vinterträdgården, Grand Hôtel, Stockholm – 15 Jan 2026, 08.30 am to 5 pm

Världen 2026 is the Swedish edition of The World Ahead 2026, produced by InPress under an exclusive license from The Economist, in collaboration with Dagens Industri. Articles from previous years can be found at www.varldenom.com.

Download highlights from Världen 2025.

Who will attend?

More than 250 senior leaders will gather: CEOs, policymakers, investors, founders, media, executive teams, and futurists – people who value a global outlook, strategic foresight, and the trusted journalism of The Economist.

The day will equip you with insights and practical tools to anticipate the major transformations and trends shaping geopolitics, business, finance, science, and technology in the year ahead. Expect the unexpected.

Don’t miss the opportunity to stay ahead. Registration and Early Bird offers will be announced shortly.

Curious about last year’s event and who attended? Learn more 

© MapTiler © OpenStreetMap contributors

Draft Programme*

08:15

Registration, coffee & sandwiches. Networking

09:00

INTRODUCTION InPress Världen 2026/Världen Om

InPress och Världen Om välkomnar på stora scen.

Read more
09:15

OPENING KEYNOTE: “Tom’s Top Ten Trends for 2026”

Tom Standage, Editor of The World Ahead 2026 and Deputy Editor, The Economist

Introduction of The World Ahead 2026 Quiz

Read more
Tom Standage
Deputy Editor The Economist & Editor The World Ahead 2026
09:30

GEOPOLITICS

What will global alliances look like in a multipolar world—after a year of Donald Trump in the White House, Putin’s continued war against Ukraine (and the West), and China’s ambitions to shape a new world order? 
Introduction by Alasdair Ross

  • 09:35
    Geopolitics and the New Security Order:     Guest of Honour, Keynote Speaker, TBA

  • 09:55 
    FOLLOWED BY OPEN DISCUSSION:
    Joakim Paasikivi     (Senior Geopolitical Advisor, Mannheimer Swartling), Anna Wieslander (Atlantic Council), Samantha Job, His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Sweden
        Read more
        Alasdair Ross
        Moderator & The World Ahead Countries Editor
        Anna Wieslander
        Director for Northern Europe & Head of the Stockholm Office Atlantic Council
        Joakim Paasikivi
        Senior Geopolitical Advisor, Mannheimer Swartling
        Samantha Job
        His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Sweden
        10:15

        Coffee & networking

        10:30

        The U.S. – State of nation at 250

        The United States celebrates its 250th anniversary. Looking back and ahead, considering that the transatlantic economy is the largest in the world ($9.5 trillion). The U.S. and Europe remain each other’s most important markets and geo-economic bases. How will this relationship evolve in the year(s) ahead?

        OPEN DISCUSSION
        Johan Norberg, Historian, author of “Peak Human”

        Read more
        Johan Norberg
        Historian & Author “Peak Human”
        Jan Larsson
        CEO, Business Sweden
        10:50

        The Space Economy: Transatlantic Opportunities

        From space defence to the race for sustainable growth, the space economy is emerging as a backbone of industries in the transatlantic co-operations and relationship. What new opportunities – economic as well as environmental – can be unlocked to strengthen competitiveness and advance sustainability through ever-improving Earth observation? And how do we balance expansion with responsible governance?

        INTERVIEW ON STAGE: Charlotta Sund, CEO of SSC: insights on how Europe and Sweden can position themselves at the forefront of this accelerating sector.

        Read more
        Charlotta Sund
        CEO of Swedish Space Corporation
        11:10

        BUSINESS & FINANCE

        Has the tariff shock subsided? How will Swedish businesses and trade remain competitive in 2026? Concerns over trade wars, economic stagnation, and fiscal incontinence are mounting. How can startups and innovation continue to thrive despite these challenges? There’s plenty to discuss.

        • 11:10 
          OPEN MIND DISCUSSION with Tom           Standage
          From adoption to impact – Bridging the AI Value Gap. Anders Madsen, Managing Director & Senior Partner, BCG, Daniel Sack, Managing Director & Partner, BCG 
        • 11:25
          KEYNOTE           by Ebba Busch, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Energy, Business and Industry, Sweden
        • 11:40
          Fireside chat           – Competing for Investments, Talent, and a Climate Where Innovation Thrives (with Alasdair Ross).
          A conversation on how regions and companies in Sweden and Europe are creating the conditions to attract capital, top talent, and foster an environment where innovation can flourish.
          Sofia Wallström,           CEO Läkemedelsindustriföreningen
        Read more
        Anders Madsen
        Managing Director & Senior Partner, BCG Sweden
        Ebba Busch
        Deputy Prime Minister & Minister for Energy, Business and Industry, Sweden
        Daniel Sack
        Managing Director & Partner, BCG
        Sofia Wallström
        CEO, LiF & member of the Board of EFPIA
        Jessica Rosencrantz
        Sweden’s Minister for EU Affairs
        12:00

        Lunch & networking

        13:05

        TECHNOLOGY & SCIENCE

        Which groundbreaking ideas and technologies will emerge in 2026? AI’s impact on jobs, innovation and growth? Will the green transition accelerate or stall in 2026? Security and defence reshaping European industry. And what about the next generation of drugs for weight loss, cancer, and antibiotics?

        • 13:05 
          China and the Tech Race: How Beijing Aims to Dominate Chips and EVs? Johan Nylander          : Asia correspondent, Di
        • 13:15 
          FIRESIDE CHAT – with Tom Standage, The Economist
          Anton Osika, founder and CEO (Lovable)
        • 13:40 
          OPEN MIND DISCUSSION           – Technical Innovation for Preparedness in a Polycrisis World.
          With global risk levels 30 percent above average, resilience investments are more critical than ever. This session explores how innovation and resilience strategies can address today’s interconnected risks and journey towards a success­­ful clean transition.

          Deep-dive themes: Keynotes & open mind discussion

          Energy: Resilience, diversification

          Digital & Cybersecurity: Infrastructure, data security, reconfiguring European industry for defence. 
          Christina Backlund          , CEO Shibuya.

          Food: Agricultural resilience, supply chains, climate impacts
          Maria Håkansson, CEO Swedfund

        Read more
        Johan Nylander
        Asia Correspondent, Di
        Anton Osika
        Founder & CEO, Lovable
        Maria Håkansson
        CEO, Swedfund
        Christina Backlund
        CEO, Shibuya
        14:45

        Coffee & Networking

        15:00

        LIFESTYLE & CULTURE

        What narratives and cultural shifts will carry us into 2026? What about transhumanism and art?

        • 15:00
          Stories and experiences shaping 2026
          Inspirational talk + Q&A. 
          Ruth Kvarnström-Jones, British-Swedish Author (The Phenomenal Women of the Grand Hôtel).  Ruth will bring to life the story of Wilhelmina Skogh, the legendary CEO who transformed Grand Hôtel. Discover how she shaped the Winter Garden, broke barriers as a woman on the board, and turned vision into reality — including the very room we’ll be meeting in.
        Read more
        Ruth Kvarnström-Jones
        Author & Historian
        15:30

        Closing remarks

        Alasdair Ross: “Prepared for the World of 2026?” A Geopolitical Analysis of Risks and Opportunities.

        Read more
        Alasdair Ross
        Moderator & The World Ahead Countries Editor
        15:50

        Världen 2026-quiz

        Results and winners presented by Tom Standage.

        Read more
        Tom Standage
        Deputy Editor The Economist & Editor The World Ahead 2026
        16:10

        DRINKS & NETWORKING

        Speakers include:

        Alasdair Ross
        Moderator & The World Ahead Countries Editor

        At The Economist Intelligence Unit, EIU, Alasdair Ross has long experience in editorial responsibility for Risk Briefing and a range of publications on themes of global interest. His experience and responsibilities give him a strong insight into global economic and political trends, their implications for multinational corporations, and the strategies those companies use for managing risk. He brings these insights to high-level audiences around the world in an engaging and stimulating manner, bringing complex issues to life in bright and straightforward language.

        Alasdair is a psychology graduate and has a master's degree in economics.

        Tom Standage
        Deputy Editor The Economist & Editor The World Ahead 2026

        Tom Standage, joined The Economist as science correspondent in 1998 and was subsequently appointed technology editor, business editor and digital editor. He is the author of seven history books, including “Writing on the Wall” (2013), “The Victorian Internet” (1998) and “A History of the World in 6 Glasses” (2005). He studied engineering and computing at Oxford University and has written for other publications including the New York Times, Daily Telegraph, Guardian and Wired, taking a particular interest in technology’s cultural and historical significance.

        Ebba Busch
        Deputy Prime Minister & Minister for Energy, Business and Industry, Sweden

        Ebba Busch is one of Sweden’s most prominent political leaders and serves as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Business and Industry. As party leader of the Christian Democrats since 2015, she has been a key figure in shaping Sweden’s energy transition, industrial policy, and competitiveness agenda. Known for her clear communication and pragmatic leadership, Busch plays a central role in advancing collaboration between government and industry to strengthen Sweden’s position in a changing global economy.

        Joakim Paasikivi
        Senior Geopolitical Advisor, Mannheimer Swartling

        Joakim Paasikivi is a Military expert and Senior geopolitical advisor at Mannheimer Swartling. A former lieutenant colonel in the Swedish Armed Forces, he became widely known to the public during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, when he frequently appeared in Swedish media to analyze and comment on the war. Paasikivi has served in both Sweden and Finland and held several senior positions in military intelligence and security. He previously taught military strategy at the Swedish Defence University in Stockholm and has also lectured at the Baltic Defence College in Estonia.

        Johan Norberg
        Historian & Author “Peak Human”

        Johan Norberg is senior fellow at the Cato Institute, an internationally recognized writer on globalization, progress, and ideas. He is the author and editor of more than 20 books, translated into over 30 languages. His works include In Defense of Global Capitalism, Progress: Ten Reasons to Look Forward to the Future (Economist Book of the Year, 2016) and Open: The Story of Human Progress (Economist Book of the Year, 2020) and Peak Human (2025)

        Ruth Kvarnström-Jones
        Author & Historian

        Ruth Kvarnström-Jones is a British-Swedish author and historian, celebrated for her compelling narratives that illuminate the lives of pioneering women in Swedish history. Drawing from her background as a copywriter, Ruth crafts richly detailed stories that blend historical accuracy with engaging storytelling.

        Her acclaimed works include: De fenomenala fruntimren på Grand Hôtel, Väninnorna på Nordiska Kompaniet & Halleholm series.

        Samantha Job
        His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Sweden

        Her Excellency Samantha Job CMG MVO appointed British Ambassador to Sweden in September 2024. Prior to her current role, she was Director of Defence and International Security at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office from 2019 to 2022.

        Anders Madsen
        Managing Director & Senior Partner, BCG Sweden

        Anders Madsen is Managing Director and Senior Partner at Boston Consulting Group in Stockholm, where he leads the Swedish office. He specializes in large-scale transformations, Performance improvement programs, AI/Digital strategy, M&A for larger blue chips and PE across industries including automotive, process industries, transport, and logistics. Anders holds an M.Sc. in Engineering from the Technical University of Denmark.

        Anna Wieslander
        Director for Northern Europe & Head of the Stockholm Office Atlantic Council

        Anna Wieslander chairs the Institute for Security and Development Policy (ISDP) and serves as Secretary General of the Swedish Defence Association. Dr. Wieslander is a lifetime member of the Royal Swedish Academy of War Sciences and the Swedish Society for International Affairs, an Adjunct Professor at the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies, and a member of both the Alphen Group and RUSI’s European Security Advisory Group.

        Jessica Rosencrantz
        Sweden’s Minister for EU Affairs

        Jessica Rosencrantz is Sweden’s Minister for EU Affairs, leading the country’s work on EU and Nordic cooperation. With over a decade in the Swedish Riksdag, she has held senior roles including Chair of the Committee on EU Affairs and Deputy Leader of the Moderate Party Group. She previously served in key committees on social insurance, environment, agriculture and transport. Rosencrantz holds a Master’s degree from the Stockholm School of Economics and brings deep experience in European policymaking.

        Anton Osika
        Founder & CEO, Lovable

        Anton Osika is the co-founder and CEO of Lovable, the Swedish AI startup that enables anyone to build apps and websites simply by chatting with AI. Founded with the mission to democratise software creation and unlock human creativity, Lovable has rapidly become one of Europe’s fastest-growing tech companies.

        The company reached a $1.8 billion valuation following its $200 million Series A round in July 2025, earning unicorn status.

        Before founding Lovable, Anton worked in particle physics at CERN, was the first engineer at Sana Labs, helping improve learning outcomes for millions worldwide, and later co-founded Depict.ai, which scaled to billions of product recommendations and raised over $20 million from leading investors.

        Charlotta Sund
        CEO of Swedish Space Corporation

        Charlotta Sund, vd för Swedish Space Corporation sedan oktober 2023. Innan dess vd för Tekniska verken i Linköping. Haft flera ledande positioner inom Ericsson, bland annat chef för regionen Norra Europa och Centralasien. Charlotta Sund har också flera styrelseuppdrag.

        Johan Nylander
        Asia Correspondent, Di

        Johan Nylander, Asienkorrespondent för Dagens Industri och prisbelönt författare. Hans arbete publiceras av CNN, National Geographic Travel, Forbes och många andra internationella medier.

        Daniel Sack
        Managing Director & Partner, BCG

        Daniel Sack leads  BCG X in the Nordics and co-leads BCG’s generative and agentic AI initiatives. He builds digital products with a focus on AI and machine learning, and co-leads Plan AI, applying advanced analytics to planning processes. Daniel holds an MBA from Stanford, a BE in mechanical engineering from Dartmouth, and a summa cum laude BA in mathematics and physics from Colby College, where he won the Marston Morse Prize for top achievement in mathematics.

        Sofia Wallström
        CEO, LiF & member of the Board of EFPIA

        Sofia Wallström is the CEO, Lif – The Research-Based Pharmaceutical Industry in Sweden, and a member of the Board of EFPIA. 
        A seasoned executive with extensive leadership experience across Government and the Life Sciences sector. Former Director General of the Dental and Pharmaceutical benefits Agency (TLV) as well as the Health and Social Care Inspectorate. Senior official at the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs and the Ministry of Finance, and as Special Government Investigator on national healthcare and pharmaceutical policy. Brings a deep understanding of market access, pricing and innovation policy within the Nordic and European healthcare and business landscape. Passionate about fostering collaboration between industry, government and healthcare to ensure prosperity and health.

        Maria Håkansson
        CEO, Swedfund

        Maria Håkansson is the CEO of Swedfund International, Sweden’s development finance institution, driving sustainable investments that create impact and inclusive growth. With a career spanning over two decades at Ericsson, she has led global, multi-cultural teams across finance, M&A, IoT, and strategic business development. A strong business acumen and a deep commitment to sustainability and innovation define her leadership.

        Maria has served on the boards of the European Development Finance Institutions (EDFI), the Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN), and the Stockholm Sustainable Finance Centre. She is passionate about transforming strategy into tangible results and fostering partnerships that contribute to sustainable economic progress.

        Christina Backlund
        CEO, Shibuya

        Christina Backlund is the CEO of Shibuya, a Swedish hybrid cloud service provider. Christina has a proven track record of driving growth, sales performance, and organizational excellence by aligning technology with business value. With nearly two decades within tech and IT industries, Christina has held executive roles at Ericsson, Schneider Electric, and IBM. She has led major transformations that accelerated growth, strengthened customer value, and built high-performing global teams.

        Christina holds an MSc in Engineering and Management of Technology from Chalmers University of Technology and has also studied at École Polytechnique in Grenoble. She is passionate about leadership, innovation and the intersection of technology and business.

        Jan Larsson
        CEO, Business Sweden

        Jan Larsson has been CEO of Business Sweden since May 2021. He brings broad experience from business, government, and politics, having held senior positions at McKinsey & Company, Brunswick, YrkesAkademin, Nordea, and Handelsbanken, and served as State Secretary and Chief of Staff to the former Swedish Prime Minister. Larsson has also acted as Sherpa to the Prime Minister in the Progressive Governance Network and held board roles in both companies and public authorities. He holds a degree in Economics and Theoretical Philosophy from Uppsala University and pursued research studies at the University of Ljubljana.

        Contact us
        Interested in speaking or the programme? Reach out to ulrica.s@inpress.com
        Want to partner with us? Contact conny.u@inpress.com

        www.varldenom.com