UNICEF and Sweden partner to improve the lives of children in Bangladesh

07 September 2023
HE Alexandra Berg von Linde, Ambassador of Sweden to Bangladesh and Emma Brigham, UNICEF Deputy Representative to Bangladesh at the grant signing event on 4 September 2023.
Embassy of Sweden/2023
photo.JPG

DHAKA, 7 September 2023 – The Government of Sweden is contributing SEK 150 million to improve the lives of children in Bangladesh through Sweden’s partnership with UNICEF. The funds will be used to support UNICEF’s Country Programme in Bangladesh with a focus on health, nutrition, WASH and child protection.

“I am delighted that this substantial contribution of flexible, multi-year funding from the Government of Sweden will enable UNICEF Bangladesh to channel resources where they are needed most” said Mr. Sheldon Yett, UNICEF Representative to Bangladesh.

Bangladesh has made significant progress in addressing the needs and rights of children, but there are however still significant challenges to overcome. With this support, UNICEF will continue ongoing programmes including strengthening primary healthcare, providing safe water and sanitation and protecting women and children from violence, abuse and neglect.

The Government of Sweden is an important advocate for children’s rights and the partnership with UNICEF in Bangladesh has evolved from a project-focused collaboration to a strategic partnership to realise child rights in Bangladesh, particularly those from the most disadvantaged communities.

Through this partnership, Sweden will continue to work with UNICEF and the Government of Bangladesh to ensure that sustainable initiatives are in place to help meet the needs and rights of children in vulnerable communities.

The Swedish Ambassador, Alex Berg von Linde said, “Children are our common future. Sweden firmly believes that investing in a safe and healthy environment for children, is essential for the wellbeing of a society at large. I am happy to enter into this partnership with UNICEF, where Sweden can continue to support children´s rights and wellbeing in Bangladesh.”

Since 2005, Sweden has contributed over US$ 60 million to UNICEF in Bangladesh, and is consistently one of the largest contributors to UNICEF’s global core resources. Sweden’s generous contributions help deliver results for millions of children every year through UNICEF's development and humanitarian programmes across the world.

Media contacts

Faria Selim
UNICEF Bangladesh
Tel: +8801817586096
Alim Bari
Embassy of Sweden
Tel: +8801709654196

About UNICEF

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone. For more information about UNICEF and its work for children, visit www.unicef.org/bangladesh/   

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About Sweden

Sweden is a long-standing partner of Bangladesh, supporting in the areas of human rights, democracy, rule of law and gender equality; climate change and environment; inclusive economic development; and health and sexual reproductive health and rights.