Swedish Statement at the 80th Anniversary of the Signing of the UN Charter

Mr President, Secretary-General, Excellencies,

Thank you for convening us today to mark a defining moment in history—the founding of our United Nations.

Eighty years ago, in San Francisco, delegates from across the world came together to agree on the UN Charter.

It was a bold act of faith in multilateralism, in the rule of law, and in the shared responsibility to “save succeeding generations from the scourge of war.” Yet, we must acknowledge that this promise has not been fulfilled for all. For too many, peace remains fragile, justice elusive, and dignity denied.

Let’s be clear: The architects of San Francisco were not idealists chasing a utopia. They were realists, shaped by the devastation of war, determined to build institutions strong enough to withstand the pressures of power and division.

I feel this history personally. My grandfather was present at the San Francisco conference. When the proceedings began—the war in Europe was in its final days and war was still ravaging in the Pacific.

The outcome was uncertain.

In his notes, my grandfather described how the atmosphere at the conference was not brimming with starry-eyed optimism but was businesslike and pragmatic.

My Grandfather recalled one striking moment in San Francisco: encountering a group of silent American soldiers standing in uniform, their faces marked by age far beyond their years.

They were blind veterans—men who had seen too much, and now saw nothing. Their presence was a sobering reminder of what was at stake.

Excellencies, colleagues, the stakes remain. “Peace is not a passive state of affairs”, as my fellow countryman, Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjöld put it. Rather, peace is something we must build every day, with conviction and courage.

Sweden will play its part. We will remain a steadfast friend of the United Nations and a firm defender of the Charter.

We will continue to uphold human rights, gender equality, and international law. And we will stand fully behind the Secretary-General’s efforts to reform and revitalize our organization.

The United Nations is not a completed project, but a living endeavour that requires faith in international cooperation.

If you want to walk fast you walk alone. If you want to walk far you walk together.

Thank you!