The report underlines the importance of gender equality in achieving fair and sustainable development. Newly qualified policewomen in Liberia. Photo: Christopher Herwig/UNMIL/UN Photo
UNDP report raises sustainable development as crucial issue
We must do something now to counteract climate change - otherwise we risk a halt or even reversal of the positive progress that has been made in poor countries in recent decades. This is the message of the latest UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) Human Development Report published today.
Seven billion on the same small globe
Our numbers on the planet are increasing, in part because we live longer and fewer children die. More people means more challenges and opportunities, write Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson and Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund Babatunde Osotimehin.
Ewa Björling to take part in Nordic Council Session
Ewa Björling, as minister responsible for Nordic cooperation, is to attend the Nordic Council Session, which this year is being held in Copenhagen on 1-3 November. Dr Björling will meet the other Nordic cooperation ministers and participate in the question and answer session with parliamentarians.
The meeting of ministers responsible for Nordic cooperation will address issues concerning work on border barriers and cooperation with Nordic neighbouring areas.
"We need to dismantle more border barriers to make it easier for people in Nordic countries to work and live in border areas," says Dr Björling.
Carl Bildt to attend Cyber Conference in London
On 1-2 November, Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt will take part in the London Cyber Conference. The host of the conference will be Mr Bildt's British counterpart, William Hague. The agenda includes a broad range of Internet issues, from economic growth and development to freedom on the Internet and international security.
Swedish food for 45 000 schoolchildren in Washington
On Wednesday 26 October, the Nordic Embassies in Washington DC will carry out a Nordic Food Day in DC Schools. During the day 120 public schools with a total of 45 000 pupils will have a chance to taste wholesome Nordic food and learn about our countries.
"This is a fantastic project that the Embassy in Washington has launched, both for marketing Sweden as a culinary nation and for broadening the image of Sweden in the United States. In the longer term it will help strengthen our exports," says Minister for Trade Ewa Björling.
Ewa Björling to visit Qatar
On 24-26 October, Minister for Trade Ewa Björling will visit Doha, Qatar, where she will take part in the Middle East Summit. She will also meet representatives of the government and institutions, as well as of Qatari and Swedish companies.
Ewa Björling to visit United Arab Emirates
On 21-24 October Minister for Trade Ewa Björling will be visiting Abu Dhabi and Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Dr Björling will meet representatives of the government and institutions, and hold discussions with Swedish companies. Dr Björling will also be a keynote speaker at a conference on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in Dubai. Dr Björling will also be attending the Abu Dhabi international film festival, where several new Swedish films are competing.
Statement by Carl Bildt on the death of Muammar Gaddafi
"The news of Muammar Gaddafi's death reached us this evening. This brings to an end a long period of dictatorial rule and oppression of the Libyan people.
However, we would have preferred to see Muammar Gaddafi taken alive and put on trial. The time has finally come for the Libyan people to build their future through free and democratic elections and for Libya to move towards a democratic, pluralistic and stable nation."
M Fransman, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, HB Mkhize, Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Ewa Björling and Ms TV Tobias-Pokolo, Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry. Photo: Charlotte Svalberg Lindquist
Ewa Björling meets delegation from South Africa
A large South African delegation, consisting of government and corporate representatives is visiting Sweden on 20-21 October. In connection with the visit Minister for Trade Ewa Björling will host a lunch with representatives of South African and Swedish companies.
Hayder Munjy and Ammar Saad Raoof Al-Hakeem from Al Sharqiya Tv interviewing Ewa Björling at the launch of ar.sweden.se Photo: Julia Servenius/MFA
New information initiative launched in Arabic
As part of strengthening the dialogue with the Arabic-speaking world, the Swedish Institute was instructed by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs to create an Arabic version of the sweden.se website, Sweden's official presence on the Internet. The launch will take place on Wednesday 19 October at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in the presence of ambassadors from Arabic-speaking countries. Minister for Trade Ewa Björling will be taking part.
