Mogadishu(SONNA)-Sweden will continue prioritizing state-building, resilience and economic development in Somalia, integrating human rights, gender equality and conflict-sensitive approaches across its development cooperation, according to Hans Henric Lundquist , Ambassador of Sweden to Somalia.
Speaking in an interview with UNDP, the Ambassador emphasized that Sweden’s long-term vision is to support a peaceful, secure Somalia where people enjoy greater economic opportunities and stronger resilience to climate-related shocks.
“A safe and secure Somalia where the population has economic opportunities are long-term goals,” Ambassador Lundquist said, highlighting the importance of investing in building resilience of communities to enable them respond to climate shocks as well as peacebuilding.
Reflecting on the partnership with UNDP, the Ambassador described the collaboration as longstanding and impactful, noting that reforms supported through joint efforts have created the conditions for sustained progress in governance, climate resilience and national development planning.
“UNDP has been a valued partner for Sweden for a long time. The reforms UNDP has been part of have created conditions for continuous progress, improving prospects for a more peaceful and prosperous Somalia,” the Ambassador said. He added that Sweden has seen tangible results through its chairmanship of the Somalia Joint Fund (SJF) steering committee and through joint initiatives supporting the National Transformation Plan (NTP) and climate-shock management systems.
A strong advocate of multilateralism and major contributor of core funding to UNDP, Sweden is among the top 10 non-core contributors globally. Currently, Sweden is supporting important UNDP projects in the areas of transformational governance (STGP), climate change adaptation and climate security.
In the past, Sweden alone or jointly with other donors, supported programs on integrated water resources management, charcoal reduction, disaster risk reduction and early warning system (WEDRR Project, IWRM project), leading to lasting results (see UNDP-Sweden-Somalia Partnerships Achievements). Also, UNDP and Sweden advanced climate-security mechanisms in Somalia by integrating climate-related security risks and environmental peacebuilding into community reconciliation plans and deliver peace-positive solutions on the ground.
Looking ahead, Ambassador Lundquist stressed the importance of a strong United Nations presence as Somalia transitions toward a strengthened UN Country Team framework following the expiry of the UNTMIS mandate in October 2026. He emphasized that UNDP’s mandate to strengthen governance and reduce poverty will remain central to Somalia’s development, and reiterated Sweden’s commitment to supporting a smooth transition.
The longstanding ties between Sweden and Somalia, he said, will continue to deepen, with new opportunities emerging through business and trade cooperation.
“Sweden will continue its support to Somalia and its people. We look forward to building new ties as opportunities expand, contributing to Somalia’s future development and prosperity,” he said.
Source: UNPD
