Sweden holds the Presidency of the UN Security Council

Since 1 January 2016 when it took its seat, Sweden has established itself as a credible and relevant member of the Security Council. During its Presidency, Sweden will assume responsibility for the Council's agenda and continue to help the Council to fulfil its main function according to the Charter of the United Nations – to maintain international peace and security.

Sweden's work in the Security Council continues to take its cue from the DNA of Swedish diplomacy: international law, human rights, gender equality and a humanitarian perspective. Our work is permeated by the fundamental insight that peace and security concern everyone. Women must be given a place at the negotiating table. Protecting children today will prevent the conflicts of tomorrow. A preventive and peacebuilding perspective is also a natural priority and characterises our work in the Security Council. 'Early warning' must be followed by 'early action', not least by the Security Council.

We also want to help the Security Council to be better at tackling the new risks, challenges and threats of our time, as well as the link between climate change and security.

Furthermore, we will continue to provide the opportunity for those affected by the crises of our time to share their perspectives in the Security Council's meetings.

We need more international cooperation, not less. This is how we can best tackle the challenges, crises and conflicts of our time.