The Swedish government has presented a new strategy for Sweden’s engagement with UNESCO for the period 2018-2021. The strategy is based on the UN Global Development Agenda, Agenda 2030, and guided by Sweden’s global development policy. The strategy shows Sweden’s commitment to priority areas such as democracy and human rights, sexuality education and reproductive health and rights as well as climate and ocean related issues.
UNESCO’s work on human rights - including freedom of expression
Education is a human right and a requirement for building equal and democratic societies. Freedom of expression, including artistic freedom, also contributes to strengthening democracy. During the period 2018-2021, Sweden will work to strengthen UNESCO’s efforts to counter threats and attacks against journalists, with special focus on women journalists, and continue to work for everyone’s right to information.
UNESCO’s work for sustainable, democratic and inclusive societies
UNESCO holds a unique role concerning Sustainable Development Goal 4 on education. Sweden supports UNESCO in this field, and in particular the work to ensure that education is characterized by lifelong learning with a clear gender equality perspective and education for sustainable development. The work on preserving tangible and intangible cultural heritage plays an important role in this area since it can contribute to enhanced understanding of our society and our history. Cultural heritage can also contribute to long-term inclusive and sustainable social and economic development and plays a key role in peace-building. Sweden will also continue to strengthen the role of the Man and the Biosphere Program as part in building sustainable societies.
UNESCO’s work on gender equality
Gender equality is a key priority for the Swedish engagement with UNESCO. The goal is that UNESCO continue to develop its work within this area, especially in the field of women in science and journalism. Comprehensive Sexuality Education is also a priority in the field of education in alignment with the work on gender equality.
UNESCO’s work on environment, climate and ocean
Climate change is one of today’s biggest challenges and should therefore be the focus of UNESCO’s work within the science sector. Sweden will promote UNESCO’s contribution in strengthening research capacities, especially through interdisciplinary knowledge development to address ocean-related challenges and strengthen transboundary water cooperation.
UNESCO’s work for an efficient and modern organization
Given UNESCO’s various important fields of work, it is crucial that the Organization operates efficiently, with stable funding and modern staff policies. In addition, Sweden will also work to protect the experts’ role within UNESCO and its committees, strengthen the diversity within the Organization as well as UNESCO’s contribution to an effective UN system.
You will find the strategy here.
