“Student sport contributes to developing future leaders in society”

Student sport does more than promote health and wellbeing – it also helps shape tomorrow’s leaders. Keynote speaker Johanna S:t Clair Renard will explore how university sport can strengthen individuals, universities and destinations through strong leadership and good governance.

Johanna S:t Clair Renard is a strategic leader working at the intersection of leadership, governance and organisational transformation in sport. She leads Bosön Education, the national leadership and education platform for Swedish sport, where she works closely with boards and executive teams across Sweden’s 72 national sport federations.
Drawing on experience from the private sector, the Swedish Ski Federation and as former Chair of the Swedish University Sports Federation, she brings a unique perspective on leadership, accountability and decision-making in sport organisations.

At the FISU World Forum 2026 on 27 August, Johanna will share insights into how effective leadership and governance can create the conditions for sustainable and responsible development. Her keynote will also highlight how university sport can improve student wellbeing, strengthen universities and destinations, and serve as a powerful platform for developing future leaders.

– What is the one key message you hope participants will take away from your keynote in Östersund?
– My main message is that student sport is a great way to practice leadership and that it contributes to developing future leaders in society.

I also hope participants will see university sport as an integrated part of the university. By supporting local university sports clubs, universities can help more students complete their studies while becoming more attractive institutions.

Sport encourages students to spend more time on campus

– If every participant could leave the Forum and make one change at their university, what would you like that change to be?
– Use university sport as a way to strengthen your university’s attractiveness. University sport makes campus life more meaningful and engaging, encouraging students to spend more time on campus during their studies.

– What are you most looking forward to experiencing in Östersund and at the FISU World Forum?
– I am mostly looking forward to meeting interesting people from around the world and talking about the impact of university sport. I am also looking forward to experiencing Östersund, its unique venues and everything the destination has to offer.