"I want to play a more active part in creating a sustainable society"

What knowledge and experience do you have that are relevant to New Republic’s clients?

– In addition to my years as press secretary, which have given me insights into news evaluation, the news cycle and crisis management, I am a public opinion analyst. In recent years, I have conducted the Centre Party’s strategic surveys and trend analysis. This work, which I carried out during an exceptionally chaotic period in Swedish politics, has, I believe, given me an understanding of Swedish people’s views that is very relevant to New Republic’s clients. On a more personal level, I have, ever since writing my master’s dissertation on NATO’s expansion in Eastern Europe, been greatly interested in, and acquired some knowledge of, security policy and Russia, issues that have unfortunately become highly topical.

What are the major political issues going forward?

– For the voters, healthcare and schools are, as usual, the most important. However, a key issue of the future, something that will impact, challenge but also provide opportunities for society for decades to come, is undoubtedly the various aspects of the climate issue: everything from energy and transport issues, the business conditions for developing climate- and eco-friendly services and products, to biological diversity, sustainable construction and climate adaptation.

Why have you joined New Republic?

– Politics is critical in many ways, but development, especially in the environmental and sustainability fields, is largely being led by business and other actors. I want to play a more active part in creating a sustainable society.

Oscar Sundevall was interviewed by Olle Schubert, Founding Partner & CEO at New Republic. ‘Three Quick Questions…’ is a series of interviews conducted by New Republic.