Opening statement by Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson at 2023 SDG Summit Leaders' Dialogue

Excellencies, 

It is a great honour for me to co-chair this Leaders’ Dialogue with President Sall.

The world is in a very different place compared to when the 2030 Agenda was adopted.

The pace of poverty reduction has slowed down. Humanitarian needs are rising. Climate change is accelerating. Russia’s war of aggression is resonating globally – limiting food supplies and disrupting global commodity markets.

We must boost our efforts to fulfil our joint commitments.

Even in troubled times there are great possibilities. We share a vision of a future of resilient and prosperous societies, boosted by green innovations. The green transition offers great prospects to all of us, and we thank the Secretary-General for leading the way.

Sweden is at the forefront of delivering on the 2030 Agenda. We are a leading contributor of development assistance, climate finance, humanitarian assistance and support to the development banks and the UN system.

But in order to achieve the SDG:s we all need to mobilise more investments towards poverty eradication, gender equality and humanitarian challenges.

We need to scale up innovations and technical solutions and harness the possibilities of digitalization.

We need more climate action.

This is urgent. Our emissions must decrease drastically and quickly to avoid devastating consequences. 

Sweden aims to be climate-neutral by 2045, at the latest. The green transition is not only necessary, but also makes full economic sense. 

Policy makers need to act hand-in-hand with brave business leaders, demanding customers and future-oriented investors. Ground-breaking solutions provided by Swedish businesses are supporting the climate transition globally. 

Excellencies,

All countries should have the means to embark on this journey of opportunities.

Sweden is a leading contributor of climate finance. Together with partners, we remain committed to delivering 100 billion dollars annually. We will increase our climate finance and enhance synergies with innovation and trade. 

To conclude, we must boost our joint efforts to fulfil the 2030 Agenda and use the need for climate action as an opportunity.  The green transition is a clear road map to new jobs, new growth, better health and more security.

Sweden intends to continue to do its part to ensure that these opportunities are attainable for all.

I am looking forward to our discussion here today.

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