UNIS/NAR/859
23 September 2004
High-level Swedish Delegation Visits United Nations in Vienna
VIENNA, 23 September (UN Information Service) -- Drugs, crime, corruption, and human trafficking undermine the development, peace and security of nations. Ways and means to address these issues were the focus of discussions between a high-level delegation from Sweden and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) today.
The delegation included high-ranking representatives from the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Education and Research, the Ministry of Agriculture and Consumer Policy, the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Industry, Employment and Communications.
“Sweden’s partnership with UNODC has played a crucial role in strengthening international drug control and crime prevention activities. I would like to pay a special tribute to Sweden whose generous contributions, have allowed achievements not only in drugs demand and supply reduction but also in research, policy and advocacy activities around the world,” said Antonio Maria Costa, Executive Director, UNODC, on the occasion of the visit.
With a contribution of over US$6.5 million in 2004, Sweden ranks among the three major donor countries of the UNODC, providing support for its wide-ranging programmes and activities. During the Commission on Narcotic Drugs held in March this year, Sweden introduced a new anti-drug strategy which targeted thematic priorities in the campaign against illicit drugs.
In a reaffirmation of its commitment to international drug control and crime prevention activities, the Swedish Government has announced a substantive increase in its contribution towards UNODC in 2005, which will amount to approximately US$9.5 million.
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