National Statement – UN Commission for Social Development

Thank you Chair!

Excellences, Ladies and Gentlemen, dear colleagues,

First of all, I would like to thank the Secretary General for the report on the priority theme of this year’s session. Today, multiple crises, such as the climate crisis, democratic backsliding, and repeated human rights violations, are affecting the lives of millions of people around the world. In recent years the economic downturn, cost of living crisis and the energy crises caused by Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine, have affected people all over the world.

This year is an important year for social development. It marks 30 years since the adoption of the Copenhagen declaration on social development. We are now turning our focus towards the Second World Summit on Social Development in Qatar in November.

As Sweden's Minister for Social Services, my responsibilities encompass child protection, social inclusion, and the rights for persons with disabilities. These are all areas that are close to my heart.

Today, I would like to highlight several initiatives that exemplify the Swedish commitment to strengthening solidarity, social inclusion, and social cohesion.

Firstly, the importance of a sound and inclusive social protection system. One of my most important tasks is to strengthen the capacity of our social protection system to ensure that those in vulnerable situations receive the support they are entitled to. Therefore, I am glad to share with you that we have adopted the most important social policy reform in Sweden in decades, namely a large reform of the Social Services Act. The new Act focuses for example on preventive work such as enhanced early intervention. Early intervention should work as a tool to support families and individuals at an earlier stage to prevent social issues from escalating.

Secondly, investing in our children and in the rights of the child. To foster early interventions and support I would like to highlight the importance of parental support. Families might be the most valuable tool we have to prevent placements into alternative care. Therefore we are investing in parental support measures which should be both accessible and applicable. We are also directing more efforts towards mental health services for young people.

Child protection is essential for social inclusion and social development. A child’s upbringing can affect their entire adult life and role in society. In November 2024 Sweden, together with Colombia, hosted the First Global Conference on Ending Violence Against Children. This was a first step to increase focus on how violence against children affects, not only the individual children, but many aspects of our societies. It was amazing to be in Colombia to witness the enthusiasm from all participants for this issue and the collective drive to do more.   

Thirdly, to promote equality and gender equality. Gender equality is at the heart of human rights and a key driver of inclusive growth, social cohesion and social development. We need to carry on our joint efforts to make more gender equal societies.

On the topic of equality, I specifically want to address persons with disabilities. Measures to achieve full participation in society for people with disabilities is of utmost importance. We are working hard in Sweden to ensure an accessible society for all. An important part is our strategy for systematic monitoring of disability policy, which allows us to track development and assess if measures taken contribute to the implementation of the CRPD

These initiatives reflect Sweden's dedication to creating a more inclusive and cohesive society. Finally, I would also like to express our deepest appreciation for the work carried out by civil society organizations in order to promote social inclusion and social development.

Thank you for your attention!