Biography

David Lega’s story

is one of perseverance, leadership, and an unyielding commitment to making a positive impact on the world. Born with a physical disability, David learned early on that limitations are only as powerful as you allow them to be. Rather than being defined by what others might see as obstacles, he chose to defy expectations and set new standards, particularly in the worlds of sports, entrepreneurship, and politics.

David’s athletic career began as a Paralympic swimmer, where he quickly became a dominant force in the pool. Over the course of his swimming career, he set an astonishing 14 world records and won multiple World Championship medals. These achievements placed him among the elite in Paralympic sports, but it was his resilience and determination that earned him the Triumph of the Human Spirit award at the 1996 Paralympics. This prestigious accolade is a testament not only to his athletic prowess but to the message that has become a guiding principle in his life: no challenge is too great when met with courage, persistence, and an unwavering belief in one’s ability to succeed.

After retiring from competitive swimming, David could have easily rested on his laurels, but instead, he sought new challenges. His transition into the business world was marked by the same drive and ambition that fueled his athletic success. David became an entrepreneur, founding ventures across industries like leadership development, where he focused on empowering leaders and organizations to grow through innovation and resilience. His ability to inspire and lead others was recognized early on, and he quickly became a sought-after motivational speaker. Through his speeches, David has reached audiences around the globe, sharing powerful insights on leadership, resilience, and personal growth. His public speaking engagements have included topics on overcoming adversity, leadership in challenging times, and the power of persistence. In 2004, David was named The Outstanding Young Person of the World, an accolade that placed him alongside historical figures like John F. Kennedy, Orson Welles, and Elvis Presley—further cementing his place as a global figure of inspiration.

David’s foray into politics was a natural extension of his desire to create lasting, positive change. His public service began at the local level, where he served as Deputy Mayor of Gothenburg, Sweden’s second-largest city. In this role, David was responsible for key areas such as urban development, corporate governance, and personnel policy, overseeing initiatives that improved the lives of the city’s more than 570,000 residents. His leadership was instrumental in fostering economic growth, enhancing public services, and promoting Gothenburg as a dynamic, forward-thinking city. His political achievements also included being part of the Alliance that successfully broke the Social Democratic Party’s 24-year rule in the 2018 elections—a turning point in Gothenburg’s political landscape.

David’s impact soon expanded beyond local politics when he was elected as a Member of the European Parliament in 2019. Representing Sweden on the international stage, David’s work in the European Parliament focused on some of the most pressing issues of our time. As a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee and the Subcommittee on Human Rights, he tackled challenges such as human rights violations, geopolitical conflicts, and the defense of democratic values. His work often brought him into contact with some of the world’s most vulnerable populations, including persecuted minorities, political prisoners, and refugees. David also took a leading role in the fight for children’s rights, serving as co-chair of the Parliament’s Intergroup on Children’s Rights. His advocacy in this area led to important legislation aimed at protecting children from exploitation and abuse, especially in the online space—a cause that remains close to his heart.

During his time in the European Parliament, David also founded the Abraham Accords Network, the caucus in the European Parliament that promotes dialogue and cooperation between nations following the historic Abraham Accords peace agreements. Through this initiative, he brought together policymakers and stakeholders to strengthen ties between Israel and its neighbors, focusing on long-term peace and collaboration in the region.

David’s political career is also defined by his commitment to religious freedom and his unrelenting fight against antisemitism. As a strong advocate of the Abraham Accords, David has worked to promote peace and understanding in the Middle East, supporting initiatives that encourage cooperation between Israel and its Arab neighbors. His new role as Senior Adviser to the European Jewish Association (EJA) is enabling him to focus his efforts on combating antisemitism across Scandinavia, where he works closely with Jewish communities to foster security, solidarity, and resilience. Through the EJA, David has been instrumental in advocating for the adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism across Europe, a critical step in ensuring that antisemitism is recognized and addressed at all levels of society.

As of september 2024, David also chairs the newly founded IPAC Alumni Council, an initiative of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC). This role allows him to leverage his political experience to support global efforts against authoritarian influence, particularly advocating for democratic freedoms and human rights in relation to China’s actions. The Alumni Council works to expand IPAC’s network and provide strategic guidance to current lawmakers

But David’s advocacy extends beyond just one cause. His life’s work is characterized by a broader commitment to defending human rights and standing up for those who cannot stand up for themselves. Whether advocating for Uyghur minorities in China, imprisoned journalists in authoritarian regimes, or victims of war and conflict in the Middle East, David has been a tireless voice for justice and dignity. His leadership within the European Parliament also included European leadership in the International Task Force Against Online Antisemitism, which seeks to combat the rise of hate speech and extremism on digital platforms.

Today, David enjoys balancing his professional commitments with more time spent with his family. He lives in the south of Sweden with his wife Vega and daughter Natalie. While his work still involves significant travel, he now enjoys a more hybrid schedule, allowing him to appreciate the time spent at home. After years of constant weekly travel for political duties and international advocacy, David values the moments he can spend with his family, building new memories and enjoying working hybrid and traveling less while continuing his global mission.