FACULTY OF CULTURE AND SOCIETY | Lecture
Honorary doctor lecture – Peter Nilsson

Peter Nilsson has tirelessly worked to contribute to a more inclusive and socially sustainable society for people with disabilities. By focusing on strengths rather than weaknesses, the organisation has shifted perspectives for both individuals with and without disabilities.

FIFH Malmö is one of Europe's largest and most prominent parasports associations. Since 1977, the association has annually organised Malmö Open, one of the world's largest parasports competitions. It is built on strong values of inclusion, respect, knowledge, and equal worth for all. Under Peter's leadership, FIFH has evolved from a sports organisation into a “human rights movement” with branches across the globe. This transformation has been achieved through training and projects carried out in collaboration with municipal, national, and international entities.
Peter Nilsson and FIFH have also actively contributed to Malmö University's externally funded education program “Sustainable Public Management.” Ten generations of participants from Eastern Europe and the Western Balkans have visited Peter and FIFH to learn how a non-profit association works strategically and practically with human rights issues. In connection with the large-scale invasion of Ukraine, FIFH, together with the alumni network from Malmö University's SAYP program (SI Academy for Young Professionals), carried out a relief effort to care for and rescue around fifty Ukrainian refugees with disabilities.

Over the past ten years, Peter has maintained ongoing collaboration with Malmö University across various programs and courses. Notably, he has served as a mentor and lecturer in “Social Pedagogical Work,” as lecturer and provider of internships in “Sport Management,” and as a co-supervisor and contributor to the master’s program “Leadership for Sustainability.”

As a civil society organisation primarily driven by volunteers, FIFH has grown and earned a place on the world map. With a strong vision rooted in human rights, Peter Nilsson has used sports to uplift and support thousands of people, including students at Malmö University. By emphasizing that all individuals possess strengths in addition to weaknesses, he has changed perspectives, empowered people, and made Malmö a better city.