National Statement delivered by Ambassador Katarina Fried at the Executive Board of UNFPA, 26 August 2025, New York
Mr. President, Madam Acting Executive Director,
In many parts of the world, civilians are living under catastrophic humanitarian conditions. The suffering endured by people in these crises must never be normalized or ignored – pregnant and postpartum women, as well as children, lack access to water, food, and health services. Illegal attacks on health facilities and aid workers must never be accepted.
UNFPA’s assistance in Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan is supported by Sweden, among others. Sweden deeply values the dedication of UNFPA’s staff, who operate in extremely challenging environments, sometimes at great personal risk. International humanitarian law must be respected. Free, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access is required. UNFPA and other humanitarian organisations must be able to carry out their life-saving work under secure conditions.
The world and the UN are facing multiple, severe crises, including a crisis of financing. Sweden remains a committed UN member state and a top donor to the UN development system, including to UNFPA. We hold high expectations for a UN system that champions gender equality and ensures the full realisation of sexual and reproductive health and rights for all individuals. We need UN organisations that continue to effectively deliver on their respective mandates. Sweden therefore supports the UN Secretary-General’s UN80 reform initiative.
Sweden welcomes UNFPA’s draft strategic plan for 2026–2029 and its realistic budget proposal. To sustain strong results at the country level, it is vital for UNFPA to focus on its core mandate, implement efficiency and effectiveness measures, and maintain robust risk management.
Sweden thanks UNFPA for the comprehensive report on the structured funding dialogue. UNFPA is facing unprecedented financial pressure. It must demonstrate flexibility and adapt to evolving conditions.
UNFPA’s continued reliance on a few top donors is a concern. Sweden encourages UNFPA to intensify efforts to broaden its financing base, including through the mobilisation of domestic resources and innovative financing.
UNFPA’s support for women, girls, and young people around the world is more critical than ever. The organisation plays a unique role in promoting and ensuring access to modern contraceptives, comprehensive sexuality education, safe and legal abortions, and protection from gender-based violence. UNFPA deserves our full financial and political support.
Thank you.
