YouSaid · the spoken record

Stefan Löfven

lines on the record: 38
first: 2015-09-24
most recent: 2021-09-24
sittings or episodes: 3
sources: un-general-debate

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“Rest assured that we will continue working with all of you all towards a peaceful, green, more equal and healthier planet. We will remain as committed to international cooperation in the future as we have been over these last 75 years. Thank you.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“The rise of racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia and antisemitism must be rigorously countered. The Forum aims to take concrete steps in the work for Holocaust remembrance and the fight against antisemitism. Excellencies, Last year’s adoption of the UN75 Declaration, co-facilitated by Sweden and Qatar, was a recommitment to strengthening international cooperation, with a modern, innovative and inclusive United Nations at its core. Together with the Prime Minister of Spain, I have launched a network of leaders to support the Secretary-General in taking the Common Agenda forward. Future generations should be at the centre of these efforts. We look forward to contributing to the preparations of a ‘Summit of the Future’ in 2023. Sweden joined the United Nations 75 years ago.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“Gender equality has always been a key priority in decision-making and resource allocation in my government — and I have promoted gender equality globally. Climate change is the defining issue of our time. In 2017, the Swedish Parliament adopted the most ambitious climate reform in Sweden’s history, aiming at net zero emissions of greenhouse gases by 2045. Together with India, I am proud to have launched the Leadership Group for Industry Transition. Inequality has further accelerated. Together with the ILO and the OECD, I launched the Global Deal partnership for decent work and inclusive growth in 2016. The objective is to improve the global labour market and enable people to benefit from globalization. In October, I will host the Malmo International Forum on Holocaust Remembrance and Combating Anti-Semitism — Remember ReAct.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“Some progress has been made, but much more remains to be done. We call on all States, in particular nuclear weapon states, to do their part. We call on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to adhere to its international obligations and take steps towards denuclearisation. Excellencies, This will be my last address as Prime Minister of Sweden to the General Assembly. As I look back at my seven years in office, I can only conclude that global challenges are becoming ever more pressing. But together, we have also made important progress. Sweden remains an active champion of finding common solutions to the challenges we jointly face. Our roadmap is global implementation of the 2030 Agenda. Gender equality is the unfinished human rights struggle of this century.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“This year, Sweden is chairing the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe. Our guiding principle is to return to the basics by defending the European security order based on respect for international law and the UN charter. Strengthening the OSCE’s cooperation with the UN is a priority, not least on the ground in conflict situations. Excellencies, The nuclear threat is as present as ever. To reverse this negative trend, we welcome recent steps such as the extension of the New START Treaty, and the US and Russian joint statement reaffirming that “a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought”. The Stockholm Initiative for Nuclear Disarmament aims to ensure that concrete steps towards nuclear disarmament are taken, not least in view of the upcoming Review Conference of the Non-Proliferation Treaty.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“Sweden is committed to leading international efforts to mobilise additional funding for the world’s largest humanitarian operation. In Ethiopia, the Tigray conflict’s expansion is causing immense human suffering. We urgently call on all parties to ensure full and sustained humanitarian access, agree to a ceasefire and work for a political solution. Excellencies, One year ago, peaceful protests in Belarus were followed by ruthless repression. Sweden and the EU demand respect for human rights. We support the Belarusian people’s right to democracy, freedom of expression and the rule of law. Sweden remains a steadfast supporter of Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence. We continue to unequivocally denounce Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“The increasingly acute humanitarian crisis and the protection and promotion of human rights — in particular regarding people belonging to minorities, women and girls — must be addressed. In this, the UN plays a critical role. Sweden’s longstanding engagement and our support to the Afghan people remain steadfast. Excellencies, Sweden continues to be a champion for long-term peacebuilding and we are a substantial contributor of personnel to UN peace operations. In Yemen, relentless fighting has worsened the humanitarian catastrophe. Sweden remains deeply engaged. We urge the parties to agree on a ceasefire and take part in political talks under UN auspices. The implementation of the Stockholm and Riyadh agreements remains a key step.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“The World Trade Organization has an essential role in upholding a rules- based international trading system. We must ensure that we have the means to build back better and greener. As chair of the ILO Governing Body this year, we will promote labour rights. Excellencies, The pandemic has also increased the suffering of the most vulnerable. The number of people in need of humanitarian assistance to survive has reached a new record level. Global hunger, driven by armed conflicts and climate change, is soaring. We urge Member States to urgently step up funding to save lives and alleviate suffering. Sweden remains one of the largest humanitarian donors. We need to find new ways to support the Afghan people to sustain the achievements made in the last 20 years.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“Through Sweden’s cross-regional ‘Drive for Democracy’ initiative, we aim to push back against authoritarianism and promote democracy worldwide. Excellencies, The pandemic has exacerbated critical gaps in equality, particularly gender equality. Women and girls have been disproportionally affected. Sustainable development, peace and security are not possible when women and girls are left behind. This is why my Government is a feminist government. Sweden will always stand up for sexual and reproductive health and rights. Excellencies, International solidarity is part of the Swedish DNA. We remain firm in our global commitments, including to provide 1 per cent of GNI to overseas development assistance. Free, fair and sustainable trade is key in order to create new jobs and increase prosperity.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“In June, we will host Stockholm+50, which we expect will be a catalyst for necessary transformative actions for a systemic change as with regard to the environment and climate change agenda. Let’s take this opportunity to help redefine humankind’s relationship with nature. Excellencies, A renewed commitment to strengthening international cooperation must be based on our joint responsibility to uphold international law. Human rights are universal and apply to all. We reiterate our strong support for the Secretary-General’s ‘Call to Action for Human Rights’ and advancing human rights across all of the work conducted by the UN. We remain deeply concerned that respect for democracy continues to decrease globally. Sweden will continue our strong support to democratic institutions and processes, and to defenders of democracy.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“Excellencies, The extreme weather events we have witnessed, with forest fires, flooding and heat waves, underline the urgent need to act against climate change. We must listen to the science and transform our societies. We must keep the 1.5 degree goal alive. Lower emissions, adaptation and protection of biodiversity must be our priority. Recovering from the pandemic will provide an opportunity to build back greener. This year, we need to stand up to the test as we gather at COP26 in Glasgow, COP 15 in Kunming, and prepare to conclude a legal instrument to protect biodiversity in the high seas. Next year marks 50 years since the world gathered in Stockholm for the first ever UN conference on the environment.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“Excellencies, This year marks 75 years since Sweden became a member of the United Nations. Today’s global challenges demonstrate the urgent need to strengthen international cooperation, with a modern UN at its core. The devastating impact of the pandemic has tested the resilience of our societies and put pressure on the multilateral system. More than half of the world’s population have not yet been vaccinated against COVID-19. Making sure that vaccines are accessible equally to everyone must be our priority. COVAX remains our best instrument. Sweden is its largest per capita contributor, and I am proud to announce that we intend to increase our support for global access to vaccines. We look forward to cooperating with all Member States in identifying ways to improve health systems’ prevention, preparedness and response capacities.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“We call on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to adhere to its international obligations and take steps towards denuclearisation. We remain committed to a peaceful resolution of the situation on the Korean Peninsula. Excellencies, Future generations will grow up in a different world. We now have the opportunity to shape its direction. Together with other countries, Sweden will mobilise support for the Secretary-General in advancing our common agenda laid out in the seventy fifth anniversary Declaration. - Together, we can build better societies. - Together, we can build stronger societies. And, together, we can address the challenges that lie ahead. Thank you.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“It serves as a tragic reminder of the catastrophic humanitarian consequences of the use of nuclear weapons. The nuclear threat is as present as ever. Milestone treaties have been abandoned or are at risk, and new nuclear capabilities are being developed. We call on the United States and Russia to agree on an extension of the “New START Treaty”, and on China to join discussions on follow- on arrangements. As part of our multilateral disarmament diplomacy, Sweden — together with 15 non-nuclear-weapon states — continues to pursue the Stockholm Initiative on Nuclear Disarmament, which aims to contribute to a successful NPT Review Conference. Together with the EU, we strongly support the full implementation of the “Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action”.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Our main priority will be working for conflict resolution that builds on the OSCE comprehensive concept of security, with democracy and human rights at the core. The European security order must be upheld, not renegotiated. Sweden is alarmed at the situation in Belarus following the elections on 9 August, which were neither free nor fair. The increased repression of peaceful demonstrators, journalists and opposition leaders is unacceptable. We stand in solidarity with the Belarusian people in their desire to exercise their fundamental democratic rights. We continue to call on the Belarusian leadership to stop the repression and engage in genuine dialogue with the op-position. We stand ready to facilitate such dialogue. Excellencies, This year also marks the 75th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“It must be based on internationally agreed parameters and an end to the occupation. The EU position is clear: annexation of occupied territory is illegal. In Syria, sustainable peace can only be achieved through a political solution in line with resolution 2254 (2015). Sweden recently pledged 96 million dollars to the crisis response at the Brussels 4 Conference. While there are plenty of challenges across the globe, there is also hope. The Sudan now has a once-in-a-generation opportunity. Women and young people took to the streets in 2019, demanding political change, and courageous political decisions followed. The Sudan deserves our support on its difficult path to democracy. Excellencies, Next year, Sweden will assume the role of Chair of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“A peaceful, swift transition to civilian leadership, with democratic elections, is vital. Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol and aggression in eastern Ukraine constitute serious breaches of international law, challenge global security and cause human suffering. The European Union is clear on the need for the implementation of the Minsk agreements. Sweden and the European Union condemn in the strongest possible terms the poisoning of the Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. The Russian government must investigate the assassination attempt thoroughly and transparently. Those responsible must be brought to justice. We support, as the only viable means of solving the conflict between Israel and Palestine, a negotiated solution with two states living in peace and security.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“To succeed in its mandated task of up-holding international peace and security, it must be reformed to effectively address current and future challenges. The fight against impunity for international crimes remains essential. Sweden is steadfast in its support of the International Criminal Court. Women’s influence — in peace processes, political transitions and crisis recovery — is crucial. This year marks the 20th anniversary of Security Council resolution 1325 (2000); it must be a year of concrete action. Sweden remains an active partner to the United Nations through: - financial core support, - diplomacy, - mediation - and as a contributor of military and police personnel to UN peace operations, including MINUSMA. We are following developments in Mali with great concern.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Around the world, record numbers of people need humanitarian aid to survive. The protracted conflict in Yemen has resulted in the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. I urge donors to step up their support of the humanitarian response. We support UN peace efforts and urge the parties to immediately agree on a ceasefire, 21-00394 63/91 A/75/592/Add.8 13/01/2021 inclusive political talks and continued implementation of the Stockholm and Riyadh agreements. We extend our solidarity and support to the Lebanese people following the devasting explosion in Beirut. Excellencies, The pandemic is a threat to international peace and security. Sweden and the EU strongly support the implementation of the Secretary-General’s call for a global ceasefire. The UN Security Council has an enormous responsibility.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Excellencies, Millions of people around the world have lost their jobs and livelihoods because of the pandemic. Social dialogue in the workplace can help mitigate the impact of the pandemic and shape solutions. We need a sustainable transition in the global labour market, an issue I worked very closely on with President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, when we co-edited the ILO report on the Future of Work. Sweden invites more countries to join the Global Deal partnership for Decent Work and Inclusive Growth. We have also seen trade barriers introduced during the pandemic. Free, fair and sustainable trade is key in order to create new jobs and increase prosperity. The World Trade Organization has an essential role in upholding a rules-based international trading system.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Sweden is ready to take on a leading role in UN Women’s “Global Action Coalition on Economic Justice and Rights”. I am delighted to see that others have joined Sweden in pursuing a feminist foreign policy. Excellencies, The pandemic is placing enormous pressure on the ability of democratic institutions to function and is having serious consequences for human rights. Far too many leaders and governments are using it as a pretext in their attempts to silence opposition, civil society and human rights defenders. Sweden will continue to promote our Drive for Democracy, which aims to strengthen respect for democratic principles and institutions, civil society and international law. We support the Secretary-General’s “Call to Action for Human Rights”.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“We will work for an ambitious outcome at COP26 in Glasgow. Excellencies, As we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the United Nations, we need to strengthen our resolve to ensure that no one is left behind. Ensuring the equal participation of every individual, irrespective of their gender and sexual orientation, is essential to realising the 2030 Agenda. The current pandemic is exacerbating existing discrimination and inequality and the risk of sexual and gender-based violence. It is having a disproportionate impact on women’s and girls’ access to essential health services. Robust funding of sexual and reproductive health and rights must be a priority. The 25th anniversary of the landmark “Beijing Declaration” and Platform for Action” offers an opportunity to intensify our efforts for gender equality.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Securing access to vaccines is a global challenge that requires international cooperation and solidarity. Excellencies, Climate change is one of our most pressing issues. Throughout the world, young and old people alike have marched together on the streets to demand that decisionmakers like us act in line with scientific recommendations. We must reshape our societies and lower emissions. Sweden is striving to be the first fossil-free welfare nation but welcome all competition to beat us to the post. 62/91 21-00394 13/01/2021 A/75/592/Add.8 We will continue to work with the industrial sector to achieve net-zero emissions, not least within the “Leadership Group for Industry Transition” that we launched with India at last year’s Climate Summit. We call for more ambitious nationally determined contributions under the Paris Agreement.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“We now have the rare opportunity to build better societies — societies that are more resilient. We have the opportunity to jointly address shared challenges: - the pandemic, - the climate crisis, - widening inequalities, - violations of international law - and threats to international peace. To create, as Secretary-General Guterres called for in his recent Mandela Lecture, a new social contract and a new global deal. Excellencies, Sweden fully supports the UN’s leadership of the global COVID-19 response and recognises the crucial role of the World Health Organization. So far, Sweden has contributed more than $170 million to the global response. Together with a number of world leaders, I have expressed my commitment to securing equitable and global access to future COVID-19 vaccines. No one is safe until everyone is safe.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Excellencies, We are celebrating the 75th anniversary of the United Nations in the midst of a global pandemic — a pandemic that has placed enormous pressure on our societies, our communities and our families. I would like to express my deepest condolences for the lives lost. Times like these test the resilience of our societies and our international cooperation. More than ever, we need to work together in solidarity. In this spirit, Sweden and Qatar co-chaired the negotiations on the “Declaration on the commemoration of the seventy-fifth anniversary of the United Nations”, which was adopted on 21 September. Member States sent a strong message of support for a rules-based international order and for multilateralism. We all re-committed to strengthening international cooperation, with a modern, innovative and inclusive UN at the core.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“International cooperation is the only way to transform solidarity into substantial change. This year must be the essential milestone for global development and for future generations. So let us create that milestone, serving our nations and serving our world.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“A reformed Council must reflect today’s realities, with adequate representation for Africa, Asia and Latin America. We also support efforts to limit the use of the veto. Although we see distress, we also see hope. The agreement on the Iranian nuclear issue was indeed a victory for the idea of diplomacy. Shared efforts create shared progress. Our decision on the new Sustainable Development Goals will, if thoroughly implemented, enable us to create another landmark in human history. And the upcoming Climate Change Summit in Paris 38/54 15-29562 30/09/2015 A/70/PV.19 will give us the opportunity to act — late, but hopefully not too late. Sweden is fully committed to those tasks. We believe that international solidarity is the first and foremost foundation for shared peace and prosperity.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“We want to make the United Nations more effective, transparent and fit-for-purpose. We will work to strengthen cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations, not least the African Union. In 2017, it will have been 20 years since Sweden last held a seat on the Security Council. Over the years, we have stood by those fighting for independence and dignity and against repression, colonialism, apartheid and inequality. We now seek Members’ confidence to champion the perspective of small and medium-sized States as a non-permanent member of the Security Council. We will strive tirelessly for a Council that can respond swiftly to the security challenges of our time and that is more representative, transparent and effective.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“We should welcome and enhance the transformation and expansion of the global economy through free and fair trade and create a global deal for decent work, while working to free some 160 million child labourers and also to end modern slavery. Sweden is taking concrete measures to maintain political support at the highest level for our common 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (resolution 70/1), and we will continue to allocate 0.1 per cent of our gross national income to official development assistance. For me, words that are not followed by actions are not worth being spoken, but the challenges for the international community also show the dire need for a strengthened and reformed United Nations. Sweden contributes resources, but we also want to contribute reforms.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“It is time once and for all to get rid of structures that discriminate against and belittle people, on whatever grounds. It is time to fully realize Security Council resolution 1325 (2000), granting women their crucial role in peace and State-building. It is time to see sexual violence as one of the most destructive weapons of all and to fight it with the full force of the international community. New times also demand a new mindset. As several leaders of island countries have told me: “We are not a small island nation; we are a large ocean State”. To fully grasp the potential of the new world economy, we need to remove old colonial prejudice and false conceptions of large and small, North and South, East and West.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“We will be strong financial supporters of the Green Climate Fund and international climate action, with a view to supporting adaptation and transfer of technology on a global scale. The coming decade will also need to see major investments in the schooling, higher education and professional training of our youth. We need fair and equal societies, where the just contributions of those who have are used to finance the gift of knowledge and power to those who have not. That is a foundation for peace that is too precious to neglect. Moreover, it is closely connected to the potential of gender equality. Barring women from power, public debate, work and education and depriving them of their human right to decide for themselves, including control over their own bodies, reproduction and sexuality — all that is a global disgrace.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“Climate change can work as a conflict multiplier, threatening peace as well as our chances to achieve all our Sustainable Development Goals. We need a course of action to create a low-carbon and climate-resilient world economy. We must protect land and ocean ecosystems. That is not a choice; it is a necessity for our survival. The world must therefore reach a fair, ambitious and legally binding agreement in Paris in December that, over time, will hold the rise in global temperature below 2°C, to the extent possible. Sweden will play its part by becoming one of the first fossil-free welfare nations in the world and having no net emissions of greenhouse gases by 2050.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“Working to maintain peace also means following through on our mutual promises of disarmament, 15-29562 37/54 A/70/PV.19 30/09/2015 namely, to pursue legal, practical and technical solutions to fully rid our world of its remaining 16,000 nuclear weapons; to finally destroy what remains of other inhumane arms, such as biological and chemical weapons; to implement the Arms Trade Treaty; and to fight the spread of small arms and light weapons, including ammunition. If we sway from those goals, humankind will suffer for our faults. If peace is more than the absence of war, peacebuilding is more than the direct prevention of military conflict. Lack of resources, rising sea levels and natural disasters have already wreaked havoc on women and men living in vulnerable States.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“We are contributing civilian personnel to missions in South Sudan, Afghanistan, Liberia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Middle East, and we have sent military personnel to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali and the Global Coalition to Combat the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. We stand ready to contribute to future United Nations missions and are continuing research on developed doctrines and methods for peacekeeping to share within the United Nations.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“A seven-year-old child in Gaza has already lived through three wars. Peace talks need to be resumed so that the State of Israel can live alongside a democratic, coherent and viable Palestinian State. Sweden has recognized the State of Palestine. We want to see a more equal relationship that will pave the way for the two-State solution that Israelis, Palestinians and a broad international community view as the right path to peace. Sweden will also step up its efforts to promote peacekeeping and crisis management.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“To solve the current crisis, we also need to stop the horrors in Syria. Extrajudicial executions, sexual and gender violence, and atrocities that may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity cannot be tolerated by the international community. Sweden supports the efforts to secure humanitarian assistance for the Syrian people. We stand behind Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura and his proposal to form working groups with Syrian participation to implement the Geneva communiqué (S/2012/523, annex). To support that process, we want to see an international contact group comprising key international and regional actors. And time is of the essence. The Security Council and its major Powers must shoulder their responsibility. The bloodbath must end. Meanwhile, other conflicts cannot be forgotten.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“We should dramatically increase the number of resettlement places, expand legal avenues for migration and base all our efforts on the principle of non-refusement and the right to seek asylum. It is extremely urgent that all the countries of the European Union treat people seeking refuge in the Union with a spirit of humanity, solidarity and shared responsibility. Sweden will do its share. We are the largest per capita receiver of asylum seekers in Europe and we are increasing our funding to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, which is in dire need of more resources. But that is something no country or continent can tackle alone. It is time for us all to step up to solve this crisis. It is not simply our task. It is our duty in the service of our nations and the world.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“Sixty years ago, Secretary- General Dag Hammarskjöld said these simple words, which summarize our task here today: “The United Nations is an expression of our will to find a synthesis between the nation and the world ... to serve the world by serving our nation, and to serve our nation by serving the world.” We will never forget Dag Hammarskjöld’s life, and we welcome the new resolution 69/246, investigating his death, but now more than ever, we need to ensure that his idea of international solidarity lives on. The current refugee situation is a global crisis, a global responsibility and now also a global crisis of responsibility. The United Nations system and all the world’s leaders need to come together to ensure that those fleeing war and repression are treated in a safe, orderly and dignified way.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)