Minister for Foreign Affairs visits New York
Published
Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard visited New York on 18–19 June. Ms Malmer Stenergard met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, addressed the UN Security Council and spoke at the annual session of the UN Women Executive Board.
Links to statements
Gender equality issues were a particular focus of Ms Malmer Stenergard’s visit. She represented the Nordic countries at the UN Security Council’s annual open high-level debate on peace, security and development. Ms Malmer Stenergard stressed that it is impossible to achieve those aims unless gender equality is not taken more seriously. In light of Sweden holding the Presidency of the UN Women Executive Board, Ms Malmer Stenergard also spoke at the organisation’s annual session and held bilateral discussions with the body’s top official, Sima Bahous.
During the trip, necessary reforms to the UN system were discussed. Ms Malmer Stenergard met with both UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Under-Secretary-General for Policy Guy Ryder, who is leading efforts to reform the UN.
Ms Malmer Stenergard also attended a briefing on the situation of children in Gaza. The session was organised by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the World Food Programme and the United Nations Children’s Fund on the humanitarian situation in the territory.
