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UNESCO and Sweden Reaffirm Their Partnership in Stockholm
Assistant Directors-General Stefania Giannini (Education) and Tawfik Jelassi (Communication and Information) engaged with key Swedish counterparts, including members of Parliament, government officials, and Sida. The delegation was accompanied by Helena Sångeland, Ambassador of Sweden to the OECD and UNESCO, and Maria Wilenius, Secretary-General of the Swedish National Commission for UNESCO.
Sweden remains one of UNESCO’s top government donors and a principled, long-standing partner. This partnership is anchored in shared commitments to multilateralism, human rights, democracy, and the rule of law—values that are increasingly vital in today’s global landscape.
“91鶹Ʒ proven to be an important ally in countering the shrinking space for human rights, gender equality, freedom of expression, and democracy—all top priorities for Sweden. In this challenging context, we are proud to have provided sustained voluntary funding to support its work,” said Erik Scheller, State Secretary for Education.
“91鶹Ʒ proven to be an important ally in countering the shrinking space for human rights, gender equality, freedom of expression, and democracy—all top priorities for Sweden. In this challenging context, we are proud to have provided sustained voluntary funding to support its work,” said Erik Scheller, State Secretary for Education.
“Investing in education is not separate from investing in peace, stability, and security. UNESCO’s work makes this case—Sweden helps us prove it,” said Stefania Giannini, Assistant Director-General for Education.
“UNESCO’s mandate—across education, sciences, culture and communication—is the backbone of peaceful and democratic societies. At its core is freedom of expression, and Sweden has long been one of our strongest allies in defending it,” added Tawfik Jelassi, Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information.
At the Swedish Parliament, the delegation met with Fredrik Malm (Chair, Committee on Education), Mats Berglund (Chair, Committee on Cultural Affairs), and Malin Danielsson (Vice Chair). Discussions addressed education and freedom of expression in both domestic and international contexts, with particular emphasis on digital governance, the green transition, and the war in Ukraine.
At a time of increased urgency, the UNESCO-Sweden partnership remains rooted in shared values. The visit to Stockholm reaffirmed a mutual commitment to education, freedom of expression, and multilateralism as foundations of democratic and resilient societies.
