I would like-ordspråk

Sweden aligns itself fully with the statement made earlier by the EU and the LGBTI Core Group. This CSW session takes us all back to Beijing in 1995 when the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action was adopted. Here we stand 30 years later, celebrating those who made it possible and honouring the transformative power of those global commitments for gender equality. Change has not happened by itself. It has been through the determined efforts of progressive governments across the world, a strong civil society, not least women’s organisations, as well as the power of multilateralism. I am happy to read about the progress made in the last five years highlighted in the report of the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres. It is important not to lose sight of this, in a world that is so beset by challenges: in spite of it all, the world is a better place for most women and girls today compared to 1995. I say “most women and girls” because our thoughts today are with all those that are left behind. Women and girls living in extreme poverty, in conflict situations, humanitarian crisis or under violence and oppression. No conflict or war is gender neutral. Human rights must always be defended. International law applies to everyone, regardless of context. Those who stay silent, when faced with violence against women and children, cannot claim to stand up for human rights. In my own region, Ukrainian women courageously defend their own country and all of Europe – as soldiers, humanitarians, entrepreneurs and political leaders. At the same time, Russia uses sexual violence against women and girls of all ages, and a majority of those fleeing Russia’s aggression are women. My government’s top foreign policy priority is to support Ukraine. This includes holding Russia accountable for its crimes in and against Ukraine. It also includes support to women’s economic empowerment, and the Women, Peace and Security Agenda. When gender equality, women’s enjoyment of human rights and sexual and reproductive health and rights are under attack, I am proud that Sweden continues to stand up and push back. On February 6 this year, my Prime Minister decided that the Government Offices of Sweden shall include a gender equality perspective into ALL areas of policy making 2025-2029. The Swedish government is also currently preparing a proposal to introduce a provision on the right to abortion in the Constitution. By doing so it gives the right to abortion the status as a fundamental right. In Sweden, we are also committed to stop the exploitation of individuals in prostitution and trafficking for sexual purposes. The Swedish Government is committed to ensure equal rights and opportunities, and the full enjoyment of human rights of LGBTIQ-persons. Human rights are universal and apply to all, regardless of sex, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, religion or other belief, disability, sexual orientation, age, or other status. Gender equality and sexual and reproductive health and rights are priorities for Sweden’s development assistance. Sweden contributes to increased access to maternal health services, legal and safe abortion, comprehensive sexuality education and prevention of all forms of sexual and gender-based violence. I am proud to say that 2025, Sweden holds the Presidency of the UN Women Executive Board. We will work with the board to advance global gender equality efforts. Sweden will particularly highlight the importance of women’s economic empowerment. We need to defend the advancements already made on gender equality and keep pushing for progress. We also need to advance our position for groups in particularly vulnerable situations, such as women and girls with disabilities. All forms of sexual and gender-based violence, including domestic violence and ‘honour’-based violence and oppression, must be eliminated. Men and boys, in all their diversity, must engage in this work – as agents of change as well as beneficiaries of gender equality. To conclude, Sweden will remain a strong voice and actor for gender equality and women’s and girls’ empowerment. We will continue to support global initiatives aimed at creating better living conditions for women and girls living in poverty and under oppression. We will continue to support all women’s and girls’ full enjoyment of human rights. You can count on Sweden. Thank you for your attention! (17 mar 2025, vid högnivåmötet Commission on the Status of Women i New York den 12 mars 2025.)Paulina BrandbergTalTilltal och brev

I would like to thank the government of Qatar for hosting this highly important meeting and for your hospitality. You have shown important leadership in bringing us together and encouraged us all to seize this opportunity to re-center social issues. Today, multiple and interlinked crises – be it democratic backsliding, reduced rights for LGBTQI-persons and repeated human rights violations – continue to affect the lives of millions across the globe. Right now, it's more important than ever for countries to work together. Sweden reaffirms its strong commitment to social development, rooted in equality and gender equality, which are powerful drivers of inclusive and sustainable growth. This year marks 30 years since the adoption of the Copenhagen Declaration. A significant milestone in our shared commitment to social development. While we welcome the progress made, we must also acknowledge that progress has been slow and major gaps remain. The three core themes: elimination of poverty, full and productive employment with decent work for all, and social integration – are deeply interrelated and mutually reinforcing. As Sweden's Minister for Social Services, I am responsible for the rights of the child, social inclusion, and the rights of persons with disabilities – areas that are close to my heart and central to our national efforts. Let me highlight a few initiatives that reflect Sweden’s commitment to strengthening the rights of the child, inclusion, and cohesion: Sweden has adopted the most significant social policy reform in decades – a major revision of the Social Services Act. This new legislation emphasizes preventive work and early intervention, aiming to support families and individuals before social issues escalates. The Government are also continuously investing in children and the fulfillment of rights of the child. Parental support is a key tool in preventing placements into alternative care. We are expanding accessible and applicable parental support measures and strengthening mental health services for young people. We are also working hard to ensure an accessible society for all. Using the UNCRPD as a starting point – a new national action plan on disability policy is under development. Sweden believes that employment is one of the most effective pathways out of poverty. Work provides not only income, but dignity, empowerment, and a sense of belonging. That is why we are committed to restoring a strong employment-first approach, ensuring that more people are included in the labour market and contribute to society. Beyond national efforts, Sweden remains a strong advocate for social development globally. Through our international development cooperation, we support initiatives that strengthen social protection systems, promote decent work, advance gender equality and increase access to sexual and reproductive health and rights services for all in partner countries. We actively engage in multilateral forums to promote inclusive policies and to promote and protect the full and equal enjoyment of human rights for all persons, not least those in the most vulnerable situations. I would also like to express our deep appreciation for the work of civil society organizations, whose tireless efforts are essential in promoting social inclusion and development. Thank you for your attention! (6 nov 2025, i ett tal vid världstoppmötet om social utveckling i Doha den 5 november 2025.)Camilla Waltersson GrönvallTalTilltal och brev