Sweden has been one of the long-standing partners supporting Somalia’s recovery, with strategic support delivered through a number of multi-year development programmes led by UNDP and other UN agencies. A strong advocate of multilateralism and major contributor of core funding to UNDP, Sweden is among the top 10 non-core contributors globally. In the past, Sweden alone or jointly with other donors though the Somalia Joint Fund, supported programs on integrated water resources management, charcoal reduction, disaster risk reduction and early warning system (WEDRR Project, IWRM project), leading to long-lasting results. 

In this edition of IN THE SPOTLIGHT, we have Hans Henric Lundquist, Ambassador of Sweden to Somalia, who assumed the role last year. Speaking with Kamal Raj Sigdel, UNDP’s Communications Specialist, the Ambassador shared insights on Sweden’s enduring engagement in Somalia and ongoing partnership with UNDP. In Somalia, state-building, resilience and economic development, he said, remain Sweden’s major priorities. 

Excerpts from the interview: 

Q: Sweden has been one of the major development partners supporting Somalia. What are the current strategic development priorities for Somalia and why is it important?

Sweden’s priorities from a development cooperation perspective will continue to focus on state-building, resilience and economic development with integration of human rights, gender equality and conflict perspectives.

A safe and secure Somalia where the population has economic opportunities are long term goals. Climate shocks must be handled in an efficient way, and we aim to support the resilience of Somalis in a peaceful Somalia.

Q: Looking back at 2025, how would you assess the impact of Sweden-UNDP partnership in Somalia? What stands out for you as a longstanding partner?

UNDP has been a valued partner for Sweden for a long time. The reforms UNDP has been a part of has created conditions for continuous progress. That means that the prospects are better that Somalis can live in a more peaceful and prosperous Somalia, reducing the need to leave the country on dangerous routes. UNDP’s work is of high quality, and you manage to navigate a challenging context.

Over time, we see results through our chairmanship of the steering committee of the Somalia Joint Fund, in the joint efforts to strengthen Somalia’s management of climate related shocks and in the support to the government’s implementation of the National Transformation Plan.

UNDP has a prominent role in all three areas, and it is encouraging to have a partner that is able to find new ways of tackling challenges, improve coordination and always have a clear ambition to integrate human rights and gender, which are priority areas for Sweden.

We note that long-term commitment to inclusive politics has had an impact on policy-making and institution building.

Q Looking ahead, what would you consider the major priorities in the coming years?

There is a need for a strong UN presence in Somalia when the United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) mandate expires. The core mandate of UNDP to strengthen governance and reduce poverty is extremely important in Somalia.

UNDP will likely have an important role as the UN transitions to a country team and Sweden is of course invested in the success of that transition.

We want to make sure that the international community plays a key partner role in Somalia’s future development.

Q: What message would you like to share with the Somali people and stakeholders regarding your commitment to supporting Somalia’s development journey?

Sweden will continue its support to Somalia and its peoples. There are longstanding ties between Sweden and Somalia, and we hope that new ties can be established through business and trade as new opportunities arise.

Read more about UNDP’s ongoing programmes in Somalia: www.undp.org/somalia