By reducing young people's opportunities to build knowledge, commitment and global experience, Sweden risks sawing off the branch on which future international cooperation rests, argue Jonas Ewald, senior lecturer in peace and development research, and Lennart Wohlgemuth, who has researched and worked with international development cooperation for decades.
The world faces complex challenges in the form of geopolitical shifts, power struggles for global hegemony, armed conflicts, climate change, pandemics, rising inequality and increasing authoritarian regimes. These challenges cannot be solved by individual countries or generations.
It is therefore surprising that Sweden is currently weakening its own ability to contribute to solutions to these challenges by cutting back on investments that build knowledge and engagement around global development. It is also particularly serious that the cuts are eroding young people's opportunities to participate in this work.
We therefore want to highlight a simple but crucial message: for Swedish international policy, including aid policy, to be effective and goal-oriented, young people must be given the tools and capacity to engage in global issues.
History shows the way
When aid grew in the 1960s, politicians and authorities realized that successful international cooperation is built on knowledge – both in the recipient countries and here at home. Sida invested in public education, research environments and education within the framework of the education system at all levels, which ensured that generations of Swedes gained the skills and commitment to contribute to development globally. Volunteer programs, university collaborations, student exchanges and internships gave young people the chance to understand the world beyond Sweden's borders. These investments laid the foundation for a strong and respected international commitment and Swedish aid.
A resource base that is being eroded
Today we see a worrying development. Support for programs such as Minor Field Studies (MFS), Linnaeus-Palme and the internship program have been cut or completely discontinued. The Global School, which trained teachers and students in sustainable development, has lost resources. Development research, crucial for evidence-based aid, is being pressured by reduced funding. This at a time when the world is facing more global crises than ever before and the need for a knowledgeable and competent resource base is therefore urgent. Weakening young people's opportunities for knowledge and experience on international issues is cutting off the branch on which future international cooperation rests – in both government activities and in the private sector.
Therefore, young people are the key
Young Swedes wool engage in climate issues, global justice and international cooperation. But will is not enough – platforms and programs are needed where knowledge, networks and practical experience can be built. Those who do a field study in East Africa, an exchange with a partner in Latin America, participate in an internship program or skills-enhancing course activity not only gain personal insights. They also become a resource for Sweden – in academia, civil society, politics, the media or business – and can contribute to more relevant and long-term aid. In addition, these efforts create lifelong, cross-border networks that contribute to future collaborations.
Sweden risks losing influence
When we cut back on capacity development for young people, we not only lose future development experts. We also risk being weaker in international negotiations and collaborations. Countries that want to be credible actors in the work on Agenda 2030 and in the fight against poverty and climate change must invest in the next generation. Here, Sweden is now falling behind.
It is time to turn the tide. The government and Sida must once again strengthen initiatives that build young people's capacity and engagement in global issues. Programs such as MFS, Linnaeus-Palme, internship programs and initiatives for primary and secondary schools should be re-established and financed in the long term. Development research needs to be secured and broadened. And the important role of civil society in public education and youth mobilization must be recognized and supported.
Without young, committed Swedes, aid and international cooperation lose their anchoring, their expertise and their future. With them, Sweden can continue to be a strong voice for global justice and sustainable development.
In addition to his work in development issues in academia and government, Lennart Wohlgemuth is also a long-standing board member of FUF.
Working paper: Building capacity for effective aid.
The global balance of power is changing rapidly, and new actors, challenges and needs for cooperation are emerging. In order for Sweden to contribute to sustainable global development, both subject knowledge and the ability to dialogue are required, according to Ewald and Wohlgmuth in this Working paper. In the report, they highlight how Sweden has historically built up expertise and resources for this work, how developments have looked over time – and why the Swedish resource base is now at risk of weakening without new investments.
This is a debate article. The author is responsible for analysis and opinions in the text.
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