Development Sweden #29. Increased Aid Budget for 2024 – But Decrease for 2025
A newsletter on Swedish development cooperation and policy
Welcome to Development Sweden #29. In this issue we deliver news on how the Swedish government reallocates earmarked budget for asylum reception in 2023 to aid for 2024 but plans to reduce the aid budget for 2025, how Sida’s new organisation will look and how many they need to hire to take over from civil society organisations.
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David Isaksson
Editor-in-Chief, Global Bar Magazine
Monika Gutestam Hustus
Editor, Development Sweden
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The following are our headlines:
Ulrika Modéer, New Head of the Swedish Red Cross
Increased Aid Budget for 2024 – But Decrease for 2025
This Is How Sida's New Organisation Will Look
Civil Society: 420 New Hires Needed if Sida Takes Over the Job
Ulrika Modéer, New Head of the Swedish Red Cross
Ulrika Modéer – a highly prominent figure as the head of the UN agency UNDP – is set to become the new Secretary General of the Swedish Red Cross. The organisation announced this in a press release.
Currently serving as Assistant Secretary General and Head of External Relations and Advocacy at UNDP, the United Nations Development Programme, Ulrika Modéer holds one of the highest-ranking positions for Swedes within the UN system. With her transition, the UN will lose a top executive, while the Swedish Red Cross will gain a leader with extensive global connections and vast experience nationally and internationally.
”I am incredibly proud to be part of leading Sweden's largest humanitarian volunteer organisation. In a time of significant and challenging issues where a record number of people live in vulnerability, even in Sweden, more individuals must stand up for compassion. Acting locally and thinking globally – taking responsibility for a sustainable future. The Red Cross is and should be a natural meeting point and guide for this important work,” said Ulrika Modéer in the press release.
Ulrika Modéer is a well-known figure in discussions concerning international affairs and sustainable development. She served as State Secretary under then-Minister for International Development Cooperation Isabella Lövin and has experience working at Diakonia.
Ulrika Modéer has overseen partnership and communication efforts to implement the Sustainable Development Goals during her tenure at the UN. Recently, when Global Bar Magazine listed the seven most influential Swedes in the UN, she was rightfully included.
”We are delighted that Ulrika Modéer has chosen to return to Sweden to assume the role of Secretary General of the Swedish Red Cross. Her substantial commitment, experiences, and strategic leadership will greatly benefit the organisation's development as a global actor and Swedish grassroots movement during significant challenges. This is due to climate change, the security situation, increased refugee flows, and polarisation,” said Anna Hägg-Sjöquist, Chairperson of the Swedish Red Cross.
Ulrika Modéer will assume the position of Secretary General in August. Until then, Anders Pedersen, International Director, will continue to serve as Acting Secretary General.