On 7–9 October, Karlstad University will host RisCon26 – Societal Risk Conference 2026, an international conference bringing together researchers, policymakers and practitioners to discuss how societal risks can be understood, managed and addressed in global and local contexts, with a strong focus on practical relevance for actors in Sweden and the Nordic region.
The conference takes place at a time when issues such as climate change, digital vulnerability and global interdependencies are becoming increasingly visible, highlighting the importance of collaboration across sectors.
“In a time of growing uncertainty and increasing threats, it is important to create platforms where we can come together to discuss societal risks and how we understand and manage them,” says Claudia Canedo Rosso, Conference Coordinator and postdoctoral researcher in Risk and Environmental Studies.
“We want the conference not only to inform, but also to engage participants and encourage new ways of thinking. It’s about building bridges between research and practice.”
RisCon26 focuses on turning knowledge into action. The program includes workshops, simulations and opportunities for participants to exchange experiences and work with real-world challenges.
It takes an all-hazards perspective, covering areas such as governance and cross-sector decision-making, natural and health-related risks, civil preparedness, crisis training and simulation, and cybersecurity in crisis management.
International keynote speakers
The conference will feature several international and national keynote speakers, including Kamal Kishore, is the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General (SRSG) for Disaster Risk Reduction, and Head of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), Takako Izumi from Tohoku University and co-chair of MIRAI framework, and crisis management expert Helena Gullberg.
“We’re happy to have such great speakers on board. Together, they bring perspectives on societal risks from both global and local contexts,” says Claudia Canedo Rosso.
RisCon26 is aimed at a wide audience, including researchers, doctoral and undergraduate students, as well as representatives from authorities, emergency services, industry and civil society organisations.
Organised by the Centre for Societal Risk Research
The conference is organised by the Centre for Societal Risk Research (CSR) at Karlstad University and aims to provide a space for knowledge exchange and dialogue between different sectors.
“We hope participants will not only gain new knowledge, but also build new connections and collaborations that continue beyond the conference.”
