International

The needs for assistance in Libya are immense after the country was hit hard by Storm Daniel, which caused widespread flooding. The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) is providing initial support of SEK 15 million for life-saving activities in the form of food provision, medicines and other essential emergency items to support survivors.

Sweden’s development assistance for health amounted to approximately SEK 6 billion in 2022. This report focuses on the contributions Sweden’s development assistance for health has made in four key areas, including sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), and prevention and management of health threats.

National Statement at the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) delivered by Minister for Foreign Affairs Tobias Billström on behalf of Sweden. New York, September 2023 Check against delivery

Following more than 15 years of negotiations, in March 2023 the UN successfully adopted a new global treaty to protect marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. Sweden has now signed the treaty, which establishes rules to limit environmental impacts and create marine protected areas in the high seas, which make up approximately 95 per cent of the volume of the world’s oceans.

The Government is now increasing support to the World Food Programme (WFP) by SEK 239 million to immediately address the deepened global hunger crisis, which has been exacerbated by Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The funds will be used to address the huge needs in many of the world’s hardest hit countries.

Opening statement by Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson at the 2023 High-level political forum on sustainable development under the auspices of the General Assembly (SDG Summit), New York, 19 September 2023. Check against delivery.

On 18–26 September, several high-level meetings will be held in connection with the opening of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) at the UN Headquarters in New York. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, Minister for Foreign Affairs Tobias Billström, Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Johan Forssell and Minister for Health Care Acko Ankarberg Johansson will attend.

Members of the Global Partnership for Action on Gender-Based Online Harassment and Abuse gave a statement on women’s and girls’ rights to participate in public life.

On Friday 1 September, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Minister for Foreign Affairs Tobias Billström received a congressional delegation from the United States House of Representatives. The delegation included members of both the Republican and Democratic parties and was led by Republican Michael McCaul, Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. The visit aimed to follow up on the NATO Summit in Vilnius, Sweden’s forthcoming membership of NATO and the continued support to Ukraine.

Tomorrow, Friday 1 September, Tobias Billström will hold a press briefing together with members of the United States Congress. Alongside the visiting Congress members, Mr Billström will discuss Sweden’s forthcoming NATO membership and the continued support to Ukraine.

The Government has appointed Andrés Jato as special envoy for international cyber issues. Cyber issues are becoming increasingly important to foreign and security policy. The Government is now strengthening the Swedish Foreign Service’s ability to advance these issues

Statement of Intent between the Prime Minister of Sweden and the President of Ukraine on Enhanced Cooperation on the CV90 Platform, made 19 August 2023.

Statement by Sweden’s National Security Adviser Henrik Landerholm on the worsened security situation, 13 August.

Twenty-three NATO Allies have officially become Limited Partners of the NATO Innovation Fund (NIF), which is preparing to make its initial investments later this year. The Participating Allies have also welcomed Sweden’s interest to join the NIF. Sweden’s participation will take effect upon its accession to the North Atlantic Treaty.

Statement by Minister for Foreign Affairs Tobias Billström ahead of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation foreign ministers meeting on 31 July.

On 21 June, Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Johan Forssell attended an annual conference on Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction. The discussions focused on how to facilitate the business sector’s engagement in reconstruction efforts.

Written statement by Minister for Foreign Affairs Tobias Billström at the Commemoration of the twenty-fifth anniversary of the adoption of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court United Nations Headquarters, New York 17 July 2023.