National commitments of the Government of Sweden on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the adoption of the Programme of Action

Twenty-five years after its landmark adoption, the Government of Sweden remains deeply committed to the implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD). The Government of Sweden is therefore pleased to make the following commitments on the occasion of the Nairobi Summit on ICPD25:

Progressive normative stakeholder

Sweden is pleased to align itself with the Nairobi Statement on ICPD25: Accelerating the Promise, which creates a solid platform to build on.
Sweden is, and will remain, at the forefront, pushing for sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for all at all levels, including the highest political level. Sweden’s feminist government is more committed than ever – politically as well as financially – to supporting the full SRHR agenda.
Sweden continues to emphasise SRHR for all, including for young persons and LGBTI-persons. Our engagement is based on core human rights principles such as non-discrimination and participation. Important elements include access to quality comprehensive sexuality education and safe and legal abortion.
Sweden stands firmly behind existing SRHR language in the Beijing Platform for Action and the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), as well as the outcomes of their review conferences. We will continue to promote new, more progressive SRHR commitments, such as recognising the Guttmacher-Lancet Commission’s definition of SRHR, which we have done in Sweden.
Sweden will continue to collaborate broadly with all relevant stakeholders, including governments, multilateral organisations, civil society, academia and the private sector, to build even stronger alliances to accelerate implementation of SRHR.

Continued long-term financial supporter

Over several decades, Sweden has been one of the largest financial contributors to advocacy and services for SRHR. In 2018, Sweden’s financial support amounted to over USD 300 million, both through bilateral programmes and support to the multilateral system. Some 13 per cent of our international development assistance is spent on health, and almost 60 per cent of that is devoted to SRHR. Our strong financial support to SRHR will continue.
Sweden provides non-earmarked core funding to the UNFPA on a multi-year basis, but is also contributing to this Summit through additional support to the UNFPA to ensure the participation and voices of young people, whose freedom, sexuality, health and future must be central in the discussions.

National ownership

Sweden takes its commitments under the ICPD, and for SRHR for all, just as seriously nationally as it does internationally. The Government of Sweden has therefore initiated a process to develop a national SRHR strategy by 2020.
The strategy will ensure high quality and equal SRHR for the entire population regardless of gender, gender identity, gender expression, class or ethnic affiliation, religion or other beliefs, sexual orientation, disability or age. Leaving no one behind!
The aim is to create an enabling environment where everyone’s unconditional right to personal and sexual integrity and sexual self-determination is fully respected, with particular attention given to SRHR for young persons, people living under poor socio-economic conditions, people with disabilities, people of foreign background and LGBTI-persons.