Sweden in the UN: Peace and security
Updated
The UN’s mandate is to preserve international peace and security. That was the main purpose when the Charter of the United Nations was signed. Sweden contributes both economic support and staff to international peace efforts. Sweden celebrates 80 years of UN membership in 2026.
Through the UN, Sweden contributes to conflict prevention, supports peace efforts and promotes the reconstruction of conflict-affected States. Since the 1960s, more than 80 000 Swedes have served with the UN in military peace operations. In recent years, primarily Swedish civilian personnel have participated in UN peacekeeping operations. These were mainly people from the Swedish Police Authority, the Swedish Prosecution Authority, the Swedish National Courts Administration, the Swedish Prison and Probation Service and the Swedish Civil Defence and Resilience Agency. Sweden also helps to fund UN peacebuilding efforts.
The members of the UN Security Council have a particular responsibility for maintaining international peace and security. Increasing polarisation leads deadlocks in the Council.
