National Statement, High-Level Political Forum 2025

Chairperson, excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

Sweden aligns itself with the statement made by the EU.

The world has changed since the adoption of the 2030 Agenda.

The pace of poverty reduction has slowed down, while humanitarian needs are rising, and climate change is accelerating. Democracy is under pressure, affecting global peace and stability. Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has global repercussions and the war between Israel and Hamas has caused enormous human suffering.

The global needs are extensive, and the funding gap is growing. Financing must be at the heart of our discussions, building on the momentum we created together at the fourth international conference on Financing for Development in Seville.

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Together with the EU, we are proud to be the world’s largest provider of Official Development Assistance (ODA). Sweden is one of only four countries that meet the UN 0.7% ODA/GNI target. We are a leading contributor of climate finance, humanitarian assistance, support to the development banks and to the UN system. We also encourage others to step up providing more climate and development finance. We need to broaden the donor base and for existing donors to increase their contributions.

However, ODA will not be sufficient to bridge the financing gap, and our focus must be on maximising its results, impact and catalytic potential. Let me highlight three priorities:

Firstly, we must ensure that our ODA is catalytic and contributes to mobilizing additional resources and strengthen synergies between development cooperation, private investments, trade and innovation. Sweden is advancing innovative solutions such as the use of guarantees to de-risk investments and unleash the potential of private capital.

Secondly, finding ways to efficiently support countries’ ownership in driving national reforms will be key. This can contribute to better domestic resource mobilisation, attracting private capital flows and manage debt sustainability. Enhanced voice and representation for the most vulnerable countries in global economic governance is also an important step forward.

Thirdly, we reaffirm commitment to the respect for human rights, rule of law, gender equality and good governance, and expect the same commitment from our partners. These aspects are fundamental for sustainable development, climate action and poverty eradication. Transparency, accountability and strong institutions are the pillars upon which resilient societies and inclusive economies are built.  

Friends,

Sweden continues to deliver on our joint commitments to the 2030 Agenda and to advancing effective, rules-based multilateralism. All countries must be empowered to seize the opportunities of the green and digital transitions. 

We need a UN system that can proactively and reliably support countries in implementing the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. We therefore welcome the Secretary General’s UN80 initiative, which aims to further strengthen the UN system, by enhancing efficiency and effectiveness to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.

The Summit of the Future and the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in Sevilla were pivotal moments. They reaffirmed our collective commitment to multilateralism and to a renewed global financing framework in support of the Sustainable Development Goals.

In a time of global uncertainty, let me assure you: Sweden remains a dedicated and reliable partner in sustainable development. Together, we can—and must—accelerate the implementation of the SDGs.

Thank you.