Ministry for Foreign Affairs

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed Elinor Hammarskjöld as Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs and Legal Counsel. Ms Hammarskjöld currently serves as Director-General for Legal Affairs and Head of the Directorate-General for Legal Affairs at the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

The Government has decided to allocate SEK 800 million to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the region. Sweden is also continuing its support to the response in Gaza through extensive core support to a number of key humanitarian actors. The Government’s core support to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) will be discontinued.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the United States to counteract foreign malign information influence activities. The agreement is an important platform for closer cooperation and exchange of experience between Sweden and the US in this area.

The Swedish Government has decided to provide SEK 40 million to the efforts of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Gaza. This support will go to essential items for the winter, protection, access to education and psychosocial support.

Experiences and Lessons Learned

Summary of the Report of the All-Party Committee of Inquiry on Sweden’s Engagement in Afghanistan 2001–2021 (SOU 2024:92).

The Government has decided to provide a maximum of SEK 258 million (approximately USD 25.06 million) to the Asian Development Fund (ADF). These new funds will support long-term economic development and poverty reduction in the poorest and most vulnerable developing countries in Asia and the Pacific region.

Sweden’s Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa is visiting Israel and Palestine on 16–18 December to get an updated picture of the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza, and to hold talks on humanitarian access and support.

Okhmatdyt, Ukraine’s largest children’s hospital, was hit by a Russian robot attack earlier this year. The Government then expressed its intention to support the reconstruction of the hospital with almost SEK 10 million to match the amount collected by Beredskapslyftet in private financing. The first part of the support is now being disbursed through a grant of SEK 3 million. Together with the SEK 3 million from the business sector, the aid will go towards equipment and training to secure functioning hospital beds at the children’s hospital, enable vital care and strengthen preparedness for possible patient evacuations.

The EU has adopted a fifteenth sanctions package in response to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. These sanctions are one of the primary tools to counteract Russia and support Ukraine by constraining the Russian State’s revenues and military capability. The new sanctions package includes additional measures against the ‘shadow fleet’, circumvention of sanctions and third-country support to Russia.

Today, 16 December, Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard is taking part in the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels.

The Government has decided to contribute an additional SEK 110 million to Ukrainian humanitarian initiative Grain from Ukraine. The support will go to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), which is the initiative’s implementing partner. Under the initiative, Ukrainian grain is transported to countries where the need for food is greatest.

Speech by Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden Ms Maria Malmer Stenergard, held at the Swedish Institute of International Affairs, 11 December 2024. Check against delivery.

The Swedish Government has decided to contribute funds to the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). Over the next three years, Sweden will provide SEK 615 million to IFAD, a UN agency that promotes food security and creates livelihood opportunities for women and men living in poverty in rural areas of developing countries. Through low-interest loans and donations, IFAD supports people in poor and disadvantaged rural areas, such as women smallholder farmers and vulnerable groups.

This strategy aims to enhance Sweden’s security, prosperity and competitiveness through a cohesive and integrated foreign and security policy on cyber and digital issues.

Two thirds of Syria’s population – almost 17 million people – are in need of humanitarian support. The Swedish Government is now allocating an additional SEK 14 million in support to the efforts of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Syria.

Sweden is going to purchase hybrid bonds from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) valued at approximately SEK 100 million. This investment is part of the Government’s strategy to modernise and streamline development assistance and promote sustainable economic development in partner countries.

Syria: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the fall of the Assad regime

The Government’s strategy Sweden in a digital world – a strategy for Sweden’s foreign and security policy on cyber and digital issues is being launched on 9 December.

Sweden has announced a contribution of SEK 8.2 billion to the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA), a fund for the world’s poorest countries. In doing so, Sweden is contributing to the record-breaking 21st replenishment of the fund, which will generate a total of USD 100 billion for reforms, investment, and development in low-income countries.

National Statement by Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden Ms Maria Malmer Stenergard, held at the OSCE 31st OSCE Ministerial Council 5 December 2024. Check against delivery.