59th session of the Commission on Population and Development: National Statement

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Mr./Madam Chair,

Sweden aligns itself with the statement by the European Union, the statement by Lebanon on behalf of a cross-regional group of countries and the statement by the Netherlands on behalf of the LGBTI Core Group. The following remarks are made in a national capacity.

The full and equal enjoyment of sexual and reproductive health and rights for all is not negotiable. It is a core value and priority for the United Nations. At a time of profound demographic change and rapid technological development, this Commission meets at a pivotal moment. Technology, data and research are transforming health systems, economies and societies, at an unprecedented pace. Whether these transformations advance human rights and Universal Health Coverage, or deepen existing inequalities, will depend on how they are designed, governed and regulated. 

When guided by human rights, gender equality and the principles of Universal Health Coverage - equity, quality and financial protection - technology can be a powerful driver of progress. It can expand access to comprehensive, high-quality sexual and reproductive health services and information. It can help address persistent gaps in coverage, strengthen health systems, improve quality of care, reach persons in marginalised situations, and empower them to make informed decisions about their own bodies and lives.

At the same time, we must be clear-eyed about the risks. The digital divide threatens to widen existing gaps and reinforce structural inequalities. Algorithmic bias, weak regulation, digital surveillance and misuse of sensitive personal data can undermine bodily autonomy, privacy, and trust, which are core elements of sexual and reproductive health and rights and Universal Health Coverage. Without strong safeguards and accountability, innovation and digitalisation can enable new forms of discrimination and expose individuals—particularly women, girls, young persons and LGBTQI persons—to new forms of harm, including technology‑facilitated gender‑based violence, online harassment and disinformation. 

Against this backdrop, Sweden has a long-standing commitment to supporting research and research capacity strengthening in low‑ and lower‑middle‑income countries. Context-specific, quality evidence is essential for effective, evidence-informed policy reform and for ensuring that all countries can contribute to global public goods in an increasingly digitalised connected world.

Mr./Madam Chair,

We are operating in a deeply challenging global context. We are witnessing a deliberate and coordinated pushback against gender equality, sexual and reproductive health and rights, including attempts to roll back previously agreed commitments. Against this backdrop, there is a need to demonstrate political will to prioritise and adequately resource sexual and reproductive health and rights. This is a question of political choice. Sweden recalls that SRHR are an integral part of the right to health, a cornerstone of Universal Health Coverage, and essential for gender equality, and sustainable development.

The commitments made in Cairo over 30 years ago remain as relevant as ever. In fact, the current focus on technology and research underscores their importance, highlighting how innovations can and must be used to implement the ICPD Programme of Action and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development—provided they are guided by human rights and gender equality. It is our shared responsibility to uphold these agreements, defend agreed language, and ensure that technological and demographic change strengthens, rather than undermines, the human rights, dignity and health of all.

Thank you.