National Statement delivered by H.E. Nicola Clase, Permanent Representative of Sweden to the UN, at the at the 58th session of the Commission on Population and Development, 9 April 2025
Mr. Chair,
Sweden fully aligns itself with the statement delivered by Poland on behalf of the EU, and the cross-regional statement delivered by Sierra Leone.
Sweden stands firm in our support for gender equality and all individual’s full enjoyment of human rights, because it is essential for a just, prosperous, and sustainable world.
All individuals, without discrimination of any kind, should enjoy the best possible physical and mental health and have control over their bodies, sexuality, and reproduction.
Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) are fundamental for human health, economic growth and sustainable development.
Empowering women and girls to control their bodies, sexuality, and reproduction requires urgent action and financial investments.
The UN must maintain a strong normative role and effectively supports Member States in fulfilling their commitments.
Millions of women and girls still suffer from severe complications and die due to lack of access to maternal health care and safe abortions.
National investments in universal health coverage (UHC), including accessible, affordable and quality sexual and reproductive health services for all, are imperative.
This is not only the right thing to do, but also a smart economic strategy.
In Sweden, investments in Universal Health Coverage and sexual and reproductive care services have contributed to better health outcomes, enhanced girls' education, women's economic empowerment, and economic growth.
Digitalization offers vast opportunities to increase access to services and information, when used carefully and with awareness of the risk of disinformation.
Midwives can prevent two-thirds of maternal and newborn deaths, yet there is a global shortage of 900,000 midwives.
Sweden has a long-standing tradition of midwives, working from a life-cycle perspective, which has contributed to one of the lowest maternal mortality rates globally. Many countries that have adopted quality midwifery models have experienced similar successes.
Through generous development aid, Sweden contributes to increased global access to maternal health services, safe abortion care, contraceptives, comprehensive sexuality education, and the prevention of sexual and gender-based violence, female genital mutilation, and child marriage.
In December last year, the Swedish Government committed 430 million USD to global health and SRHR for 2025–2029.
In response to declining global support for gender equality and SRHR, Sweden has increased its core and humanitarian support to UNFPA.
In collaboration with Member States, UN organizations, civil society, and the private sector, Sweden will continue to support women, girls, LGBTQI persons, and other vulnerable individuals living in poverty and under oppression.
Thank you!