National Statement at the UNFPA Executive Board

Mr. President,

Thank you to Executive Director Dr. Kanem for her presentation of the annual report. Sweden commends the excellent results achieved. 

Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and gender equality are top priorities for Sweden. 

We value UNFPA’s leadership in promoting access to modern contraception, comprehensive sexuality education, safe and legal abortion, and protection from gender-based violence — critical for human rights and sustainable development.

Considering shifting donor dynamics and financial constraints, it is crucial for UNFPA to focus on core priorities, remain flexible, and enhance efficiency and risk management. 

Structural reforms and stronger partnerships are essential to maximize impact and ensure resources reach those in most in needs. 

We remain concerned about inefficiencies and excessive benefits within the UN development system, including business travels.

Sweden welcomes the Secretary General’s UN 80 Initiative and expect UNFPA to be able to participate and fully engage in the process. We insist that UN entities fully implement already agreed reforms.

Sweden also highly values UNFPA for being present and delivering lifesaving SRHR services in the most challenging humanitarian situations. 

We are deeply concerned about the ongoing humanitarian crises, the intolerable access challenges, and other serious constraints faced by humanitarian actors in delivering lifesaving SRHR services. Life-saving aid must always be allowed to reach the most vulnerable in a principled manner. 

Sweden remains a top donor to UNFPA, contributing approximately 55 million USD in flexible funding, including core and humanitarian support to Palestine, Sudan, and Ukraine. 

An additional 8 million USD in core support was provided to ensure UNFPA’s work on SRHR, including access to safe abortion, can continue despite declining political and financial support. The Swedish Government has also significantly increased its humanitarian contributions to UNFPA to support the severely affected civilian population in Gaza.

UNFPA can count on Sweden’s continued support and engagement. 

We welcome the draft strategic plan for 2026–2029 and expect UNFPA to continue its normative and operational leadership in promoting gender equality and SRHR, ensuring that rights and choices remain at the center of UNFPA’s work.

Finally, we thank Dr. Kanem for her outstanding leadership, visionary guidance and dedication. Your work has made a lasting impact, and we wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

Thank you.