The organization was founded in 1938 under the name " Utlandssvenskarnas förenning", with the task of taking care of Swedish citizens who tried to return to Sweden before the outbreak of World War II. 1988, in connection with its 50th anniversary, the association adopted its current name.Chairman of the Board is currently (2015) Tuve Johannesson.General Secretary since 2008 is Karin Ehnbom-Palmquist , former ambassador to Australia . The last decade's secretary general has been retired ambassadors: Örjan Berner (2003-2008) and Christer Jacobson (1998-2003).