Who we are

UWC Sweden is a non-profit, volunteer-led organization dedicated to selecting students and financing scholarships to UWC schools around the world. We also works to make UWC more known in Sweden as well as connecting UWC alumni living in Sweden. Our members are passionate about education and international understanding, working together to create opportunities for young changemakers.

We welcome new members, volunteers and supporters who share our passion for education and peacebuilding. If you would like to become a member, please see here how to become a member. If you would like to learn more, contact us at [email protected]. If you would like to contribute with your time or resources please visit our volunteer page to learn more or our donation page.

UWC Sweden’s governing board

The board is elected by the organizations’s members at the annual meeting.

Chair

Pontus attended UWC-USA from 1995-1997.

“UWC was a defining experience for me. I left the school in New Mexico with a completely different idea of what I wanted to do, with a new group of friends scattered around the world and a strong interest in global issues. It was UWC that led me to a career in development assistance and peacebuilding, which I have pursued for the past 25 years.”

Pontus took over as Chair of the Swedish National Committee in December 2024. He has previously been active in the National Committee in Colombia and helped establish the National Committee in Sudan.

Pontus works as Head of Peace Process Support at the Folke Bernadotte Academy and is Sweden’s advisor to the peace negotiations in Colombia. He previously worked for the UN in Colombia, Sudan and Geneva. Pontus holds an MSc in Human Rights from the London School of Economics and an undergraduate degree in Law and Economics from the School of Oriental and African Studies.

Vice chair

Lisa attended UWC Red Cross Nordic from 2005-2007. She has an MPhil in Human Ecology and has worked on sustainability issues in Boston, USA. After 10 years she moved back to Malmö and is now works as a high school teacher. Lisa is the vice chair of UWC Sverige since December 2024.

Secretary

Eje went to UWC-USA in New Mexico from 2017 to 2019. He has a Bachelor in peace and conflict from the University of Lund and has worked for the ministry of foreign affairs of Sweden. Currently Eje is doing a Masters at the Swedish Defense University.

Treasurer

Ola has been UWC Sweden’s treasurer since August 2024. Ola is a happy retiree who loves sauna bathing. In the summer he is a gliding instructor and in the winter he goes downhill skiing.

Parent contact

Johanna attended UWC Mahindra College from 2006-2008. She holds an MPhil in Development Studies from the University of Oxford, and an MA (Hons) in Politics and International Relations from the University of Aberdeen. After working in the international development sector for 10 years, she has now moved back to Sweden to pursue a PhD in Child and Youth Studies at Stockholm University. Johanna is UWC Sweden’s parent contact.

Student contact

Ida went to Waterford-Kamhlaba from 1997 to 1998. She works as an anaesthesiologist at the pediatric intensive care unit at the Karolinska Hospital in Stockholm.

Ida is the studenct contact in the council of UWC Sweden. Students should feel free to contact here with there needs.

Fundraising lead and municipality contact

Elin studied at Waterford-Kamhlaba UWC of Southern Africa from 2006 to 2008.

Admin and safe guarding

Anouk went to UWC Moster in Bosnia and Herzogovina from 2016 to 2018. She afterwards has gotten a Bachelor in psychology and is currently finishing her law degree at the University of Lund.

Anouk is a board member at UWC Sweden being responsible for internal administration and safeguarding.

Alumni contact

Maria attended UWC Red Cross Nordic between 1996-98.

She is an experienced manager with a proven background in academia, business development and the marketing industry. Skilled in change management, innovation and processes. She holds a PhD in legal and political philosophy with a focus on human rights but most importantly – an unquenchable curiosity.

She currently works as a business developer at management level for Region Kalmar, where she manages strategic development and change processes. She brings with her many years of experience in board work and non-profit involvement as well as legal expertise. With a family background characterized by generations of work in public education, she is convinced that United World Colleges create spaces and meetings that are crucial to the well-being of society.

Selection

UWC council and communication

Mile went to UWC Atlantic from 2012 to 2014. Since then has he been a part of UWC Macedonia for nearly ten years.

Mile is also a representative of the European National Committees on the UWC Council and one of the UWC Board Committees.

When he is not doing anything related to UWC, he works as a teaching assistant at an international school and as an amanuensis at KTH’s School of Architecture and the Built Environment.

Senior council members

Rob taught at MUWCI 2017–2019, then served on the UWC in Mostar College Board from 2019–2023 and has continued as an Advisor for CAS and Outdoor Ed since.

He holds a MPhil in Educational Research from Cambridge and has taught in Australia, Austria, India and the UK.

Rob also served in the British Army and deployed to Afghanistan twice.

He moved to Sweden in 2022 and teaches at the Defence University.

Studied at UWC Atlantic 1968–1970. Professional career in the foreign service, including serving as ambassador in Warsaw (1996-2000) and Tokyo (2006-2011). Senior Adviser at the University of Tokyo 2011-2021. Since 2012 Senior Adviser at Japan’s national research institute, RIKEN.

Olof studied at UWC Atlantic from 1970 to 1972.