SHOWCASING SWEDEN OF TODAY
In May 2010, the Swedish Consulate in Seattle will be host a weeklong celebration that will bring Sweden to Seattle. Sweden Week will emphasize the strong relationship between Sweden and the Pacific Northwest. Highlights will include a visit by Her Royal Highness, Princess Madeleine of Sweden, as well as the honoring of our five local Nobel laureates.
The goal of Sweden Week is to showcase today’s Sweden and to recognize the many contributions that Swedish-Americans have made to Washington State’s history, culture, business, education, arts, and its people, and to honor the strong link between Seattle and Sweden.
Sweden Week will:
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Underline the historical influence of Sweden in Seattle and spotlight the Swedish presence in the region today.
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Focus on business in a three-day conference where ideas and knowledge will be shared between Swedish and American businesses, and where both local and Swedish innovations and policies will be highlighted. Business Focus - Edays Special Edition will include speakers, panel discussions, exhibits, networking opportunities as well as industry visits. The conference will dive deeper into the areas of Clean Technology and Sustainable Development, Modern Medical Technology and Information Technology – all areas in which both the Pacific Northwest and Sweden excel.
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Showcase Swedish film, music, literature, food, fashion and other creative enterprises.
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Highlight plans to finalize Seattle’s new Nordic Heritage Museum’s $60 million capital campaign to build a world class museum that will show the Nordic countries’ importance in the Northwest.
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Call attention to significant research cooperation between Swedish Universities and the University of Washington through symposia and special events, including the annual Seattle Sweden Diabetes Awareness Day.
Sweden Week will commemorate:
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Swedish Hospital’s centennial
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The centennial of the University of Washington’s Scandinavian Department
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The five Nobel Laureates connected to Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and the University of Washington.
Her Royal Highness Princess Madeleine of Sweden and the Swedish Ambassador to the United States, Jonas Hafström will be taking part in the Sweden Week festivities. Other prominent visitors from both the United States and Sweden will also be present.
Many of the Swedish and Scandinavian organizations in the area will be part of Sweden Week through different programs that highlight their many interests and strengths.
We are all energized and enthusiastic, and we are convinced that it is going to be a fantastic celebration. And we believe that Sweden Week will get attention not only in Seattle and in Sweden, but also throughout the Western States and throughout the Swedish communities across the country.
