National Statement delivered by H.E. Nicola Clase, Permanent Representative of Sweden to the UN, at the UN Women Executive Board First regular session 2026, 18 February 2026
Mr. President,
Let me begin by congratulating you on your assumption of the Presidency of this Executive Board.
Executive Director Bahous, thank you for your insightful address. Sweden commends UN Women for delivering strong country-level results despite political and financial pressures.
In December, Sweden and UN Women signed a new multi-year agreement for 2026-2028, and we are pleased to maintain USD 13 million in core support for 2026.
We welcome the Secretary-General’s UN80 initiative as an important opportunity to strengthen delivery across the United Nations system.
We are united in wanting a UN that delivers tangible results for all women and girls. Sweden’s commitment to gender equality — and to effective reform — is firm. The question before us is not whether to improve the system, but how to do so without weakening what already works.
Sweden approaches the proposal to explore a potential merger between UNFPA and UN Women with an open mind.
At the same time, we recall that these entities were created with distinct and complementary mandates, both essential in different ways. A potential merger must not dilute their respective focus or effectiveness.
To address the challenges of under-resourcing, uneven coordination, and inconsistent political support, we urge UN Women to accelerate the implementation of the Repositioning of the UN Development System, including strengthened joint programming, a clearer division of labour, and improved coordination within UN Country Teams under the strengthened leadership of the Resident Coordinator. In the end, these measures may prove more effective than structural consolidation.
UN Women embodies a hard-won institutional commitment. Its existence signals that gender equality is a standalone priority, not subordinate to any other agendas. At a time of growing pushback against women’s rights, that clarity carries particular weight.
We are mindful that a merged entity could face more challenges in intergovernmental negotiations and potentially reduced access in sensitive contexts, including legal reform and women’s leadership. We see parallel risks for the equally vital and specialized work of UNFPA.
There are also financial realities to consider. Expectations of efficiency gains are high, and may translate into reduced overall funding, leaving the combined entity with broader responsibilities but fewer means.
For these reasons, Sweden will continue to call for a thorough, evidence-based review that carefully weighs the risks and benefits and also considers alternatives to a merger.
This process must be transparent, analytically grounded, and ensure meaningful engagement of Executive Boards, civil society, and staff.
When women’s rights are strong, the United Nations is stronger. When they are weakened, the credibility of the system is weakened with them.
Thank you.
