Aid crisis, technological shift and geopolitical upheaval were discussed on Thursday  

There were two domestically focused speeches we heard from the Almedalen stage on Thursday. The Social Democrats' party leader Magdalena Andersson began by speaking about the serious security situation and gave a brief global outlook before the focus shifted to Sweden. “The world of yesterday is no more, and it will not return”, she said, referring to the US administration's trade tariffs and turn away from Europe, but also Russia's war in Ukraine. She mentioned the situation in the Middle East and specifically the situation in Gaza, where Israel is not allowing emergency aid in. Andersson criticized the government's decision to end support for UNRWA - support that she said must be resumed immediately.

The Moderates were represented this year by Finance Minister Elisabeth Svantesson, who mentioned Russia's war in Ukraine, the US trade war, and China as a challenger to the European economy. "Both trade wars and armed wars are affecting our economy," she said. The answer to the troubled world and troubled times we live in is rearmament, she said. 

If the party leaders did not devote much space to the world, the more seminars did. They were characterized by international issues, where Sweden's global role and responsibility were discussed from several perspectives. Questions about aid, foreign policy and international solidarity recurred in conversations that critically examined how Sweden acts in climate, conflict and migration crises – and whether rights are prioritized over realpolitik. Among other things, the world's shrinking humanitarian capacity was discussed. Annika Sandlund from UNHCR expressed concern about how aid and security are increasingly being pitted against each other, and that attacks on civilian aid workers, children, schools and hospitals have increased significantly. In the past year alone, 25 percent more attacks have been carried out directly against children, and 40 percent more against schools and healthcare facilities. She also said that the number of people on the run has doubled in the past decade, at the same time as conflicts are increasing and the international community's ability to resolve them has decreased:

 

 

“Last year, not a single conflict was resolved, which is a clear turning point compared to previous years,” she noted.  

Jacob Risberg (MP) highlighted at the same seminar that Sweden has always been a strong aid player, and questioned the government's cuts to aid: 

– It is strange that it is easy for the government to find percentage targets for defense, but not for development assistance. We need to build on the functioning development assistance we have – not break it up. 

Another seminar discussed whether AI can help fill the void created by reduced funding by making aid work more efficient. Examples mentioned included AI tools that can analyze crisis situations, identify evacuation routes, and reduce bureaucracy. However, AI architect Johan Müllern-Aspegren warned of the built-in bias that comes with the technology – the models reflect the Western world’s worldview, which can have serious consequences. AI theologian Louise Callenberg argued that it is not the technology itself that is the problem – it is the people behind it. For technology to be used in a meaningful way, judgment, direction, and value-driven collaboration are required. She argued that civil society needs to be given the trust to take the lead in this work. 

The security situation remains in focus 

Security issues continued to dominate the Almedalen discussions on Thursday. The focus was on crisis preparedness, civil defense and peacekeeping in conflict zones, and not least the situation in the Middle East. At a seminar with some of Sweden's leading experts on the Middle East, all stated that they are pessimistic about the region's future given the rapidly escalating situation that has fundamentally changed the conditions. They addressed a geopolitical shift where war, occupation and power vacuum are creating new alliances and risks for nuclear weapons. The panel called for clearer EU policy, investments in international law and a deeper understanding of the region's dynamics. A major focus was on Israel. Professor Isabell Schierenbeck described an Israel where support for a continued war in Gaza is decreasing, and where trust in Netanyahu is at a record low: 

– A large part of the Israeli population points to one thing for Israel to be a safer place, and that is a political solution. 

Several voices on the panel emphasized that the EU has greater opportunities than are being exploited to influence developments in Israel and Palestine. Journalist and Middle East analyst Bitte Hammargren raised the possibility of a trade ban, especially against products from illegal settlements. Schierenbeck highlighted that resistance to Israel's settler policy is also growing within the US – including among American Jews – which could create pressure towards change, especially in collaboration with Europe. Sida's senior analyst Alexander Atarodi argued that symbolic measures, such as sanctions or political markings, also play a role – not least in signaling what type of state Israel is expected to be. He emphasized that much higher demands can be placed on a democratic state like Israel than on groups like Hamas. At the same time, strong concern was expressed for the future of the Palestinians, with Hammargren describing the people's alternatives as violence, submission, migration or ethnic cleansing.  

Young people care – but in new ways 

The role of civil society and the international commitment of young people were also clearly felt on Thursday in Almedalen. Shaden el Seedi from WWF Youth has been seen in the crowd during the week and on stage together with names such as Jan Eliasson, Björn Ulvaeus and Annie Lööf. 

Hi Shaden! Fewer young people identify themselves as engaged in issues such as the environment and climate and gender equality. What do you think is the reason for this? 

– I think young people still care, but the commitment looks different – ​​it happens more on social media than in associations. Many also feel overwhelmed by everything that is happening: climate, war, pandemic, inflation. When everyday life gets tough, the climate sometimes feels distant. In addition, a lot of misinformation is spread, and when countries back down from agreements like the Paris Agreement, a feeling of hopelessness is created – that commitment still doesn't make a difference. 

What do you think is needed to reverse the trend of decreased engagement among young people? 

– More collectivism and respectful dialogue. Young people need education in source criticism and more positive role models in the media. We must highlight solutions and progress – it gives hope. At the same time, legislation is needed that makes it easier to do the right thing. 

 

You participated earlier this week in a seminar titled “Where is the hope for democracy?” What gives you hope?

– Enthusiasts who push for important issues give me hope, as do when I see different meeting places where people can talk about things. It gives me hope to know that Sweden is one of the few democracies – that we can vote, and that people are committed to change. That there are different types of leadership and diversity programs and people who want to help others. Organizations like FUF give me a lot of hope. Feeling that there is a great deal of resistance to the negative things that are happening and platforms where important issues are raised and where you get to talk to actors that you don't usually meet, and where young people are given the opportunity to take a place. Social media also gives me hope in that it allows information to reach more people. It's easy to feel very alone in your struggle, but then you see pictures and films from the protests around the world on social media. On these platforms, campaigns are also built, money is collected and people show that they want to support – that gives me a lot of hope. 

Wednesday's summary from Almedalen can be found here. here! 

Don't forget to take a look at the highlight "Almedalen 2025" on our InstagramThere you will find all our updates from the week and the parties' election promises regarding aid policy.

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