Östersund Welcomes the World

As around 200 participants from approximately 50 countries gather in Östersund for the FISU World Forum, they come to discuss the future of university sport. For Östersund and the Jämtland Härjedalen region, however, the forum is also about the future of the region itself, and the opportunities created when we welcome the world to our doorstep.

Östersund has a strong sporting tradition and extensive experience of hosting international competitions. It is also home to Mid Sweden University, where education, research and sport come together. The FISU World Forum therefore serves as a natural meeting place between the region’s sporting heritage and its academic strengths.

“For us, hosting the forum is about much more than organising an international event. It gives us an opportunity to show the world what Östersund and the region have to offer, while also learning from people and organisations from across the globe. We hope that the relationships forged here will continue to grow long after the forum has ended,” says Putte Eby, Tourism Strategy Officer at Östersund Municipality.

Over the coming days, participants will experience many of the qualities that make Östersund an attractive place to live, study and work. For Mid Sweden University, the visit provides an opportunity to strengthen international partnerships and perhaps attract future students. For the municipality and the region, it is also a chance to spark interest in the area and the opportunities it offers.

An international event of this scale also brings benefits to the visitor economy. Hotels, restaurants, shops and transport providers welcome additional guests, while Östersund’s hosting capabilities are put to the test and given an opportunity to shine.

The municipality is one of the event’s partners alongside Mid Sweden University and Region Jämtland Härjedalen. Several members of staff are actively contributing to creating a conference that participants will remember for years to come. Yet the long-term effects may be even more important. A successful event can strengthen Östersund’s position as a host city for future international meetings and events.

“I hope that together we can deliver the best FISU World Forum ever held and demonstrate that Östersund is a destination capable of attracting even more international events in the future,” says Putte Eby.

As an added bonus, the forum coincides with Östersund Pride Week. This gives participants the opportunity to experience a city that strives to be open, inclusive and welcoming, values that many visitors will take home with them when they leave Östersund.

In this way, the FISU World Forum is not only about the days spent here and now. It is also about the relationships, opportunities and impressions that may endure long after the participants have moved on.