Qaisar Mahmood
Qaisar Mahmood is a Swedish author and social commentator with extensive experience in the public sector, having held a variety of roles within government institutions. Born in Lahore, Pakistan, he moved to Sweden at the age of seven and grew up in Tensta, Stockholm. He holds a Master’s degree in Political Science from Stockholm University and has worked for several Swedish government agencies, including the Swedish National Audit Office and the Government Offices of Sweden.
Qaisar has published several acclaimed works exploring Swedish identity and diversity. In The Search for Swedishness (2012), he recounts a 900-kilometre motorcycle journey across Sweden in pursuit of what defines Swedish identity. His novel Half a Life (2016) and the debate book The Troubling Diversity (2019) continue to shed light on these themes.
In The Troubling Diversity, Mahmood offers concrete tools for making diversity and inclusion efforts more strategic, moving beyond superficial measures. He emphasizes the importance of viewing diversity as a necessary and instrumental part of society, rather than merely a challenge.
In One of Them (2023), Mahmood explores the role of the gig economy in a globalized world, where people strive to build a better future for themselves and their children. By working himself as a food delivery courier, he highlights both the challenges and opportunities of gig work, and how it affects individuals as well as society at large.
More about Qaisar Mahmood as a Speaker
As a speaker, Qaisar Mahmood has appeared on international platforms, including TEDxMarrakesh, where he addressed issues of identity and culture. He has also participated in Almedalen Week and other national forums, contributing to discussions on integration, cultural heritage, and social development.
Through his work, Mahmood seeks to promote a deeper understanding of Swedish identity and diversity, and to inspire reflection on what it means to be Swedish in today’s society.
Qaisar Mahmood delivers lectures in both Swedish and English.
Popular Topics
- Does Swedishness matter?
- Why is diversity challenging — but also necessary?
- Experiences from working in the gig economy as a food delivery courier
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