Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard visits New York

During the visit, Ms Malmer Stenergard will discuss necessary reforms of the UN system and ongoing developments in the Middle East. As part of the visit, she will particularly highlight gender equality issues.

“We are currently seeing more and more examples of how gender equality is backsliding rather than advancing. Gender equality is a core value of Swedish foreign policy and a priority area for both our development assistance and our work in the UN – particularly this year, when we hold the Presidency of the UN Women Executive Board,” says Ms Malmer Stenergard.

A new strategic plan for UN Women for 2026–2029 will be adopted during Sweden’s Presidency. Sweden will particularly emphasise the importance of women’s economic empowerment, in terms of promoting women’s opportunities to work and earn a living, and rights and opportunities for ownership.