Sweden has embedded the pledge to leave no one behind in its 2016 government policy framework, which focuses on countries facing the greatest resource challenges, where development needs are greatest and where Sweden can make a difference. The two overarching principles are poor people’s perspectives and the rights perspective. In addition, three thematic perspectives are integrated into decision making, implementation and follow-up: 1) environment and climate; 2) gender equality; and 3) conflict.
Sweden’s multidimensional approach to poverty eradication (and new toolbox) focuses on resources, opportunities and choice, power and voice, and human security. It recognises that people and groups experiencing poverty and the drivers of poverty and vulnerability change with contexts. In line with this, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) seeks to identify who is excluded and marginalised in each country and then designs its approach to meet their needs.
Least developed and conflict or post-conflict countries are the main focus of its bilateral development co-operation. Support to middle-income countries is limited financially since access to finance may be less of a challenge than redistributing existing resources more equally. Sida is also strengthening its focus on the humanitarian-development nexus providing short-term crisis support while building sustainable pathways out of poverty.
