Opening remarks by Annika Strandhäll at the UN preparatory meeting for Stockholm+50

Mr. President (titel uppdateras vid mötet), distinguished Ambassadors, delegates, representatives of civil society and distinguished representatives of the youth,

“A healthy planet for the prosperity of all - our responsibility - our opportunity.”

This is the vision for Stockholm+50. It is a message on what we need to act upon to protect our planet and achieve sustainable development for the wellbeing of this and future generations.

Our action and choices will have a decisive impact on the future of humanity. It is still possible to create a better future if we act together.

Fifty years after the landmark 1972 UN Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm – the first UN conference about the environment - we once again invite the world to consider the pathways to a truly sustainable future. Offering a space for deep reflection and an opportunity for member states and leaders from all parts of society:

- to advance actions to close the implementation gap of commitments made.

- to put science at the centre of our actions. 

- and to show that we will act in solidarity with those that often have contributed the least to the problems but are hardest hit by the consequences.

Stockholm + 50 buildson the outcomes of all major United Nations conferences.

Let us use this opportunity to identify successful methods, to advance innovative and scalable recommendations that can translate commitments into common actions. Together we can show that investing in the planet means investing in people;  a healthy planet for the prosperity of all means that prosperity is shared by everyone.

As the UN Secretary-General has pointed out, “humanity’s welfare – and indeed, humanity’s very future – depends on solidarity and working together as a global family to achieve common goals”.

(Stockholm+50 takes place in, and contributes to, the decade of action and delivery for sustainable development.)

Last month I had the great honor to attend UNEA and UNEP@50. I wish to congratulate Kenya and minister Tobiko on very successful meetings. The outcomes from Nairobi will greatly enrich our deliberations at Stockholm+50.

We expect Stockholm+50 to be an accelerator of commitments and actions, in the run-up to the UN milestone conferences in Lisbon, Kunming and Sharm El-Sheik later this year, and towards the Summit of the Future next year.

Let me take this opportunity to express our gratitude to Ecuador, Canada, Indonesia, Germany, Egypt and Finland for your leadership in co-chairing the three Leadership Dialogues.

Based on the discussions held in the informal working groups, and from the deliberations at UNEA, let me draw your attention to three areas where I hope we collectively can make a difference at Stockholm+50.

First, the need to focus on forward looking and systemic actions for a healthy planet and human wellbeing that bridges agendas and silos, looking beyond growth, and building trust, equity and inclusion.

Second, closing the implementation gap will require collective actions and strengthened partnerships, and financing that is scaled up and aligned with the commitments made.

Third, but not least, we will only succeed if we expand the community of voices, including the voices of youth. Thus recommitting to the responsibilities to future generations, as was expressed firmly in the outcome of Stockholm 1972. We hope for your support in ensuring meaningful youth participation in Stockholm.  I encourage all Member States to include youth in your delegation to Stockholm.

Participants, I look forward to listening to the discussions today. I encourage all of us be focused and bold in our contributions.

It has been a true honour for me to address you here today.  

Allow me to close by recalling the words of the late Prime Minister of Sweden Olof Palme, at the 1972 UN Conference on the Human Environment:

“Our future is common. We must share it together. We must shape it together”

It was true in 1972. It is true today.

Thank You.