Sweden’s foreign policy must contribute to creating peace and security through preventive efforts, peace diplomacy and stable relations with other countries. We are developing strong partnerships on a broad front – in the EU, the Nordic and Baltic regions, the UN and the OSCE, and with NATO and other partners. Sweden is also actively pursuing concrete initiatives for global nuclear disarmament.

During Sweden’s two-year membership of the UN Security Council in 2017–2018, all of our work was underpinned by international law, human rights, gender equality and a humanitarian perspective. Listening, creativity, active diplomacy – and a determination to achieve results – were the hallmarks of our approach.

We now continue to assume our share of the responsibility and repay the confidence that UN Member States placed in us when they elected us to the Security Council.

We need more international cooperation, not less. This is how we can best tackle the threats, crises and conflicts of our time.