Sweden and the UN

Some 150 countries gathered in Stockholm to focus on the climate and environment. Sweden and Kenya have now summarised the results in a Stockholm agenda – 10 recommendations to the world to accelerate the pace of the transition.

A ban on extracting coal, oil and natural gas in Sweden will enter into force in Sweden on 1 July this year. It will be an important step in the process of transitioning to a fossil-free society. This was announced by Minister for climate and the environment Annika Strandhäll on World Environment Day, on June 5th.

On 31 May and 1 June, two major youth meetings with both Nordic and global representation were held in connection with Stockholm+50. During these meetings, the young people summarised and presented their views on Stockholm+50 to several environment and climate ministers.

This year, Sweden will host World Environment Day – 50 years after it was launched in Stockholm. Minister for Climate and the Environment Annika Strandhäll will open World Environment Day on 5 June, together with Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Inger Andersen. The opening will take place at the National Museum of Science and Technology and will include a discussion with young people about their vision for the future. Media representatives are welcome to follow the event onsite.

The international climate and environment week in Stockholm is now getting under way with a series of high-level meetings, including LeadIT on industry transition, the UN Stockholm+50 conference at Stockholmsmässan and the annual Ministerial on Climate Action (MoCA). UN Secretary-General Guterres and US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry are among those attending.

Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson will receive UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Wednesday 1 June. The agenda for their bilateral meeting includes the security situation in Europe following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and the green transition.

On Monday 28 March, Minister for Climate and the Environment Annika Strandhäll will lead a meeting at the UN Headquarters in New York. The UN is hosting the meeting as part of the practical preparations for the Stockholm+50 international meeting.

The United Nations Environment Assembly decided to initiate negotiations on a global agreement to end plastic pollution at its meeting in Nairobi on 2 March. In conjunction with the Environment Assembly, the United Nations Environment Programme celebrated the 50th anniversary of its founding.

The United Nations Environment Assembly endorsed a historic resolution to initiate negotiations on a global agreement on plastic pollution. This will be the most important environmental agreement since the Paris Agreement. Sweden has long been a driving force for a global solution to plastic pollution.

Sweden has been elected as a member of the Council of the International Maritime Organization. This means that Sweden will have greater opportunities to push for issues such as increased maritime safety and reduced environmental and climate impact of maritime transport.

Speech, Prime Minister Stefan Löfven, The General Debate of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, September 24

Prime Minister Stefan Löfven and Minister for Foreign Affairs Ann Linde are travelling to New York for the opening of the 76th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) on 21 September 2021.

This year’s theme for UN World Environment Day was ‘Ecosystem Restoration’. One Swedish example is the Government’s drive in recent years to restore wetlands. This has a positive impact on biodiversity and the capacity to bind carbon dioxide. Artic wetlands are at severe risk of destruction due to climate change.

On 24 February, Minister for Foreign Affairs Ann Linde presented the 2021 Statement of Foreign Policy in the Riksdag. Check against delivery.

The world’s environment ministers are gathering virtually on 22 and 23 February to discuss green recovery and decide on priorities ahead of the United Nations Environment Assembly. Minister for Environment and Climate Per Bolund is participating in the meeting.

Sweden has submitted its long-term climate strategy to the UN. The strategy is part of Sweden’s work under the Paris Agreement and contains ambitious emission targets and measures that will drive climate transition in Sweden in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement.

The Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT) – launched by Sweden and India to drive the climate transition in energy-intensive industries – held its Leadership Summit today. LeadIT members agreed on a range of ambitious commitments to contribute to freedom from fossil fuels and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

On Tuesday 10 November, some 10 heads of state or government met for a digital summit hosted by Spain and Sweden. The aim was to bring together a group of countries that together are ready to help strengthen the UN, in light of the UN’s 75th anniversary. The countries also adopted a joint statement on this at the meeting.

23 June 2020