On 4 September 2026, Sweden and UNESCO signed a new agreement covering the period from 2026 to 2029. Sweden will provide SEK 75 million, approximately USD 7.87 million, to support UNESCO’s work in culture, freedom of expression and access to information. Together with a separate SEK 150 million agreement for education, Sweden’s new commitments to UNESCO amount to SEK 225 million.

The agreement was signed by Åsa Regnér, Deputy Director-General of UNESCO, and H.E. Ms Helena Sångeland, Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of Sweden to UNESCO. Mariya Gabriel, Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information, and Nayef Al-Fayez, Assistant Director-General for Culture, also attended the ceremony. Their presence reflected the different areas covered by the renewed partnership.

Culture is one of the main areas of the agreement. Swedish support will help strengthen cultural and creative sectors, improve conditions for artists and give more people the opportunity to participate in cultural life. The partnership will also support UNESCO’s work on cultural diversity and the status of artists. At the same time, the agreement addresses freedom of expression, journalists’ safety and access to reliable information, including efforts to respond to misinformation and disinformation.

Sweden’s renewed support continues a partnership with UNESCO that has already helped countries respond to challenges in their cultural and creative sectors. It also reflects Sweden’s broader commitment to multilateral cooperation, with culture, information and freedom of expression placed at the centre of its engagement with UNESCO.

• https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/unesco-and-sweden-renew-long-term-partnership-education