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Fredrik Reinfeldt, Prime Minister of Sweden
In June, more than 50,000 people will meet in Rio de Janeiro with the shared purpose of putting
sustainable development where it belongs, at the top of the global agenda.
Environmental awareness has long characterized Sweden’s domestic policies and our priorities in
various international forums. Forty years ago, in 1972, the first United Nations Conference on the Human
Environment was held in Stockholm. With representatives from 113 countries and more than 400
organizations in attendance, the conference marked the beginning of political and public awareness in
relation to global environmental and development issues.
Sweden has undergone a transformation from a poor agrarian country to today’s industrialized and
service-oriented society with high welfare ambitions, where economic, social and environmental policies are
closely linked. These policies are based on the conviction that economic growth and prosperity can go hand
in hand with social cohesion and care for the environment. Sweden’s history also shows the importance of
securing respect for the rights, freedoms and driving forces of the individual – men and women; young and
old. A society that has space for all individuals has greater prospects of flourishing.
Development takes time and patience, and it takes trial and error. Every country faces different conditions
and challenges and there are different ways to achieve sustainable development. On Sweden’s part,
we believe that we can contribute in particular through innovative solutions in the areas of water and
sanitation, sustainable cities and the pricing of ecosystem services. That is also the focus of the Swedish
chapter in this book.
But it is perhaps most important to look ahead of the present situation and into the future – the future
of our children and grandchildren. If we live beyond our means today, future generations will pay the price
for our folly. We will also do well to remember that inaction comes at a cost that is often too high. Now
is the time to take responsibility and to act. The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development
(Rio+20) is an opportunity that we must seize.
Fredrik Reinfeldt
Prime Minister of Sweden