National statement, delivered by H.E. Andreas von Uexküll, Deputy Permanent Representative of Sweden to the UN, at the UN Women Executive Board Annual session 2026, New York, 23 June 2026
- check against dleivery -
Dear President, Madame Executive Director,
Sweden recognizes the powerful impact of UN Women in advancing gender equality across the globe.
We welcome UN Women’s critical work and note progress on promoting global norms, women’s economic empowerment and participation in public life, women, peace and security, and in humanitarian action. UN Women’s work remains necessary for protection from gender-based violence.
Achieving such results despite global challenges, including financial restraints and increased pushback against gender equality, is truly commendable.
We appreciate the continued work with the Gender Equality Acceleration Plan. Through its leadership, UN Women plays a key role in strengthening the UN’s capacity to deliver on gender equality.
Sweden fully supports the ambition of UN80. UN Women's constructive engagement in this process is important to drive reform, efficiency and coherence across the UN System. RCs should be the primary interlocutor for partners to ensure continued alignment with the Cooperation Framework at country level. We also support the Secretary-General’s recommendation that entity-specific programming tools align with the Cooperation Framework. Entity presence should be based on identified needs and available resources, prioritizing delivery and technical expertise.
On the possible merger of UN Women and UNFPA, we see clear risks of a dilution of mandates and a weakened ability to perform crucial tasks that rest on both organisations. It is questionable whether a merger will succeed in advancing the key UN80 objectives of efficiency and effectiveness. As things currently stand, we are not in a position to support a merger of UN Women and UNFPA and.
We strongly welcome receiving comprehensive information on all alternatives and to be consulted before the matter advances to the General Assembly.
Sweden remains one of UN Women’s most significant donors. Our contributions are accompanied by the highest of expectations regarding effectiveness, transparency, and achieving tangible results, especially at country level.
UN Women can count on Sweden’s continued support and engagement. In return, we count on your leadership.
Thank you.
