Sweden’s explanation of voting, Unesco resolution under item 30 ”Occupied Palestine”

Sweden welcomes the constructive efforts undertaken by Palestine and Jordan in presenting a more focused draft resolution to the Executive Board. The text has improved substantially compared to previous years. All amendments proposed by the EU side have been incorporated in the text. In the negotiations, Sweden has consistently strived for EU unity on this resolution, and was ready to make concessions to uphold that unity. However, since the EU unfortunately has not been able to stay united, and since Sweden believes the current text is acceptable, Sweden has voted in favour.

Sweden stands by the Executive Board's decisions regarding a permanent UNESCO representative and a UNESCO reactive monitoring mission to the world heritage site Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls. Sweden encourages Israel to enable this mission to carry out its tasks, as mutually agreed by the parties in 2013, and we hope for its implementation.

UNESCO plays an important role in promoting peace through cooperation within the fields of education, culture, science and communication, and carries out important work in cultural heritage protection and preservation.