80 years have passed since the first UN Member States signed the United Nations Charter in 1945. Since then, the UN’s mandate has been to maintain international peace and security and support international cooperation. However, polarisation between Member States is affecting the current climate of cooperation within the organisation. Current world events have put the UN under strong political and financial pressure, which will necessitate sweeping reforms and efficiency measures.
A resolute and effective UN is based upon Member States that take responsibility, cooperate and facilitate the organisation’s work. In the current geopolitical situation, Sweden is strengthened by building alliances, taking action with others and promoting its interests and pursuing its policies with like-minded actors. The UN is a key platform for Sweden when it works together with countries outside its immediate neighbourhood to defend a rules-based international order, based on the UN Charter. This, in turn, contributes to the Government’s most important task: making Sweden freer and more secure.
Sweden’s support of the UN, the UN Charter and a rules-based international order is manifested in our immense support to Ukraine, which is the Government’s foremost foreign and development assistance priority for the coming years. Sweden is working to maintain and strengthen support for Ukraine in the UN, and to hold Russia accountable for its ruthless war of aggression.
The UN system promotes respect for human rights and sustainable development and provides humanitarian assistance during crises. Sweden is a major donor and an engaged partner in these efforts.
Through strategic action within the UN system and in relation to UN organisations, Sweden ensures that the Government’s foreign policy priorities have an impact, including in the area of development and in dealing with global challenges. Funding is directed towards UN activities that align with the Government’s priorities and that deliver effectively at country level. Sweden is a major donor to the UN system and contributes support and engagement that go above and beyond the country’s size. As a friend of the UN system, Sweden also has clear requirements and levels criticism when it is due.
