Elin Bergman
Elin Bergman is known for being the "Circular Economy Queen of Sweden", is named LinkedIn Top Green Voice and is a recognized international keynote speaker. She works as a Circular Impact Officer and spokesperson of the Swedish circular economy business network Cradlenet, and is also one of the co-founders of the Nordic Circular Hotspot, a collaboration platform for accelerating circular economy in the region. She has also recently become a Founding Member of the Circular Economy Coalition - an international coalition of value-aligned individuals and organizations collectively advancing the circular economy through shared tools and resources, bridging the Global North and Global South. For many years she worked as circular economy expert at WWF Sweden, where she developed the international circular economy network Baltic Stewardship Initiative, to enable the recirculation of nutrients in the Baltic Sea region in the agri-food sector.
Elin also practices what she preaches and stopped flying 12 years ago for climate reasons, and instead takes the train or sails to her destinations, she is a vegetarian since 25 years, stopped consuming unnecessary things and clothes and only buys second hand and vintage if she needs anything and have had many “no consumption at all” years. By doing this and still looking good and professional on the world stages she shows that living within the planetary boundaries is not hard and you can still look good and have a wonderful life doing it.
Erik Agner
Erik Angner is Professor of Practical Philosophy at Stockholm University. As a result of serious mission creep, he holds two PhDs – one in Economics and one in History and Philosophy of Science – both from the University of Pittsburgh. His most recent book is How Economics Can Save the World: Simple Solutions to Solve Our Biggest Problems (Penguin 2023). In 2023 he was awarded the Ohlin Institute Public Discourse Award for his “panoptic disciplinary knowledge” and “contagious dose of optimism.” He lives in Stockholm with his wife and their three children.
Gabriel Oniscu
Professor Gabriel Oniscu is a transplant surgeon and academic, currently serving as the Head of the Transplant Division at Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm. He earned his medical degree from the University of Medicine of Iasi, Romania, in 1993, and completed his PhD at the University of Edinburgh in 2003. Throughout his career, Professor Oniscu has held significant positions, including Director of the Edinburgh Transplant Centre and Transplant Advisor to the Chief Medical Officer in Scotland. His clinical expertise encompasses multi-organ transplantation and living kidney donation, with a particular research focus on innovative organ perfusion and preservation techniques aimed at enhancing transplant outcomes. In addition to his clinical and research endeavours, he presides over the European Society for Organ Transplantation, contributing to the advancement of transplantation medicine on a continental scale. Besides, Professor Oniscu has been engaged on the intersection between science and art at The Cell, and on discussions linked to address the challenges between human body’s limitation and ethical perspectives in the era of modern medicine.
Hani Khalifa
He is a physician specializing in Family Medicine, currently serving as the Senior Consultant and Chief Medical Doctor at Järva Urgent Care Center. He also holds an affiliated lecturer position at the Center for Health Crises at Karolinska Institutet. With a deep passion for global health—particularly within the medical-humanitarian field—he has worked extensively with individuals and communities affected by conflict, epidemics, and both natural and man-made disasters.
Through his work with globally recognized organizations such as Doctors Without Borders (MSF), Dr. [Name] has gained hands-on experience in patient care, project leadership, and health policy development across diverse and challenging contexts. His tenure as Vice President of the Swedish section of MSF and a formative assignment with the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva have significantly shaped his global health perspective and understanding of healthcare delivery in resource-limited settings.
In addition to his clinical and humanitarian work, he has taught at several leading Swedish universities, including Karolinska Institutet, Umeå University, and Uppsala University. His academic focus includes Global Health, Disaster Health Assistance, Epidemiology, and Infectious Diseases. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he served as an expert medical doctor on the Crisis Management Team at the Swedish National Board for Health and Welfare (Socialstyrelsen), contributing to Sweden’s national response.
Omar Alshogre
Omar Alshogre is a Syrian public speaker, detention survivor, and Georgetown University graduate based in Stockholm. After being arrested for protesting the former Syrian regime, Omar escaped imprisonment with his mother's help. In his talks, Omar focuses on the power of storytelling, the effects of trauma, and the crucial role of leadership in times of crisis. Through his narrative, he helps audiences to rediscover hope, embrace resilience, and find strength in the face of adversity.
Shahrzad Kiavash
Shahrzad Kiavash is a Paralympian and keynote speaker who has inspired audiences worldwide with her story of resilience, determination, and redefining what is possible.
After surviving a life-threatening illness that resulted in the loss of both her legs, she defied expectations and went on to compete in the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. Through her talks, she challenges perspectives on adversity, mindset, and human potential - leaving audiences not only deeply moved but also motivated to push beyond their own perceived limitations.
Stockholm Taiko
Stockholm Taiko is a unique taiko drumming ensemble based in Sweden, blending the power of traditional Japanese taiko with the rich melodies of Nordic folk music. Founded and led by Maki, a taiko artist from Japan, the group is redefining the taiko experience by infusing it with global influences, creating performances that are both powerful and deeply immersive.
Their signature approach combines the thunderous energy of Japanese taiko with the haunting resonance of Nordic instruments like the hurdy-gurdy, nyckelharpa, and bagpipes. Their performances are not just a display of rhythm—they are a dialogue between two rich cultural traditions, a journey that moves from Japan’s festival spirit to the ancient echoes of Scandinavian landscapes.
Stockholm Taiko’s performances are built on strength, harmony, and movement, embodying the essence of both Japanese and Nordic traditions. Their mission is to break boundaries and bring people together through the universal language of rhythm.
Valerie Porr
Valerie Porr began her career as a fashion designer and artist in New York, with work exhibited at institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Her focus shifted when a family member was diagnosed with a mental illness, and she realized the significant gaps in research, treatment, and understanding of personality disorders. In response, she founded TARA4BPD in 1995, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advocacy, education, and research for Borderline Personality Disorder. Since then, she has worked to improve access to evidence-based treatment, organize conferences, and promote research into new therapeutic approaches, including psychedelics and mentalization-based therapy. Her talk will discuss how a deeper understanding of the biological aspects of mental illness can reduce stigma, inform better treatment, and highlight the role of human connection in recovery.
Yiwu Dance Group
Yiwu Dance is a collective of Chinese dance enthusiasts, where tradition meets innovation. The members, predominantly students and individuals who have studied in Sweden, unite in their unwavering love for the art form. Together, they embark on a journey to create, choreograph, and learn, blending their cultural heritage with modern interpretations of movement. Each dancer contributes their heart, creativity, and dedication, weaving together stories through every graceful step and intricate gesture.