NEWS How can universities contribute to better health and well-being for students and staff? This was one of the key questions at FISU World Forum 2026 in Östersund. As Sweden's only certified Healthy Campus university, and one of only a few worldwide to achieve the highest certification level, Platinum, Umeå University was invited to share its experiences. Several of the university's initiatives were also recognised as international best practices.
From the left: moderator and FISU Executive Committee Senior Member Martin Doulton, Joakim Abrahamsson (Umeå University), Marc Poulin (University of Calgary) and Megan Skeels (University of Doha for Science and Technology).
Image Elsa BjurmanAround 150 university representatives from across the globe participated in the FISU World Forum 2026. The forum was organised by FISU, the International University Sports Federation. This year's forum had a particular focus on Healthy Campus, FISU's programme and certification framework for health and well-being at universities.
During the forum, FISU presented its new collection of outstanding Healthy Campus examples, known as "best practices". Several of Umeå University's initiatives and approaches were highlighted as sources of inspiration for universities around the world.
Among the initiatives recognised were the School of Sport Sciences' health promotion event Health on Campus, the Student Health Service's work to support mental well-being, the International Office Buddy Programme for international students, and the main campus walking routes designed to encourage physical activity.
During the forum, Joakim Abrahamsson, psychologist at the Student Health Service, participated in a panel discussion together with representatives from the University of Doha for Science and Technology and the University of Calgary, which, like Umeå University, have achieved Platinum status within Healthy Campus. The discussion focused on what characterises a healthy campus and which approaches and conditions contribute to long-term success in promoting health and well-being.
– It was incredibly valuable to share our experiences with universities from around the world. This meeting showed that many higher education institutions face similar challenges, but also that we have come a long way at Umeå University by working strategically over time and making collaboration a central part of our approach, says Joakim Abrahamsson.
During the panel discussion, Joakim highlighted that one of the key success factors behind Umeå University's Healthy Campus work has been its connection to the university's broader sustainability efforts.
By integrating health and well-being into its strategic sustainability work, the university has been able to establish a long-term and systematic approach in which physical activity, mental health, social inclusion and sustainable development reinforce one another.
Umeå University's campus environment has been recognised internationally as a best practice for how the physical environment can support health and well-being.
ImageElsa BjurmanIn addition to knowledge exchange and networking, the forum also created opportunities to discuss how the Healthy Campus concept can continue to evolve and provide even greater value for certified universities as well as those interested in beginning the certification process.
– It is very rewarding to see the work we do at Umeå University being recognised internationally. Healthy Campus is both an important tool and a commitment for us, and we look forward to continuing to develop this work together with students, staff and other universities, says Elsa Bjurman, Healthy Campus Project Manager at Umeå University.
For Umeå University, the continued work also means taking responsibility for sharing knowledge and experiences with others.
– As Sweden's first university to achieve Healthy Campus certification, and the first university in the Nordic region to reach the highest certification level, Platinum, we have a responsibility to share our experiences and contribute to the development of healthy and sustainable campus environments, both in Sweden and internationally, concludes Elsa Bjurman.
Read about all Healthy Campus best practices from universities around the world.