Almedalsveckan

How do Swedish authorities build trust and crisis resilience?

When: Thursday, June 25, 2026, 9:00–9:45 a.m.

Location: Holmen, Site 601, Reputation and Trust Analytics event tent, Schooner Svanhild, Österdahls Brygga in the port of Visby.

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Cast

Eva Corp

For the Swedish Food Agency, a high level of trust is crucial—both in everyday life and during a crisis. It is important that our target groups trust and listen to us as a government agency.

Erik Nordman

The electricity supply is the lifeblood of society; if electricity does not flow all the way to households, businesses, and public services, Sweden comes to a standstill. At Svenska kraftnät, we are leading the development of the electricity supply of the future, which requires strong trust in us and our expertise from both the public and other electricity stakeholders. As we all know, energy cannot be destroyed, but lost trust is never more than one bad decision away.

Urika Ohlson

Trust is one of our most important assets. It is crucial to our ability to fulfill our mission, to the overall legitimacy of the judicial system, and, ultimately, to the strength and resilience of our democratic society.

Anna Lihr

A serious global situation places entirely different demands on society and our capabilities. Trust is, at its core, a matter of democracy. People need to have confidence in the recommendations or behaviors we encourage.

Alexander Widén

Trust is society’s invisible infrastructure. It determines which people, companies, and institutions receive support when it really matters.

Jan Strand

You can stockpile food, fuel, and equipment—but hardly trust. Trust must be built every day, because once a crisis hits, it is one of society’s most important resources. Without trust, even strong systems become fragile.

Introduction

When trust in public authorities is put to the test, it affects democratic stability, crisis preparedness, and citizens’ willingness to uphold the social contract.

Trust in government agencies is crucial for democratic legitimacy, social stability, and effective crisis management. When trust erodes, it affects both the ability of institutions to act and citizens’ willingness to comply with decisions, rules, and recommendations. In an era marked by disinformation, increased societal demands, and security policy challenges, the question of how public institutions build and maintain trust is becoming increasingly central.

The seminar examines the factors that strengthen or undermine trust in Swedish authorities, how this affects societal resilience, and what strategic choices are needed to ensure long-term institutional strength.

Cast

  • Alexander Widén, Senior Advisor, Reputation and Trust Analytics
  • Eva Corp, Head of Communications, Swedish Food Agency
  • Erik Nordman, Head of the Security and Emergency Preparedness Department, Svenska Kraftnät
  • Ulrika Ohlson, Director of Communications, Swedish Prison and Probation Service
  • Anna Lihr, Director of Communications, Swedish Civil Defense Agency

 

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