
AdvocacyLeadership
Beyond composing music, I’ve dedicated much of my career to advocating for human rights, artistic freedom, and stronger protections for creators. What follows is a brief overview of my work in cultural policy and international representation.
Advocacy & Leadership
Alongside my work as a composer, I have always been deeply engaged in human rights—particularly in matters related to copyright and artistic freedom of expression, which I view as fundamental pillars of any democratic society. Throughout my long career as an advocate, I’ve had the privilege of representing my fellow music creators, as well as serving as a spokesperson for artists across other disciplines. On several occasions, I have also been appointed as an expert by the Swedish government and institutions such as the United Nations Human Rights Council. With a clear goal of achieving the best possible outcomes for those I represent, it has been essential for me to hold influential positions that enable real impact. Some of these roles have included serving as President of ECSA – the European Composer and Songwriter Alliance – from 2007 to 2023, where I now act as Honorary President. I have also led the International Music Council (IMC), the world's largest network of music organizations and institutions, founded by UNESCO in 1949 and representing a global network of 600 million people. My board memberships have spanned cultural agencies, academic institutions like the Royal College of Music in Stockholm, and organizations dedicated to human rights such as Freemuse. I am the founder and initiator of the award-winning international Creators Conference. I played a role in establishing so-called "safe havens" in Sweden and spent many years actively engaged in advocacy within the EU, working to shift the political tide from weakening copyright protections to ultimately strengthening them. This work earned me the title of Sweden’s Best Lobbyist by the renowned magazine Resumé. In 2022, I was also honored with the British Carnatic Choir Award for Arts and Culture: The Award of Excellence in Arts and Culture Leadership, "…in recognition of your services to the music industry as an accomplished composer, music rights activist, and for your groundbreaking collaborations." My commitment to improving the conditions for culture and those who work within it remains unwavering. Wherever I can contribute to real, positive change—that is where I choose to be. Perhaps our paths will cross in a future collaboration?
"…in recognition of your services to the music industry as an accomplished composer, music rights activist, and for your groundbreaking collaborations."