Welcome to Global Dialogue Garden at Almedalen Week 2026

Almedalsveckan 2026

During this year’s Almedalen Week, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is hosting Global Dialogue Garden – a meeting place for some of Sweden’s leading actors working on global justice, international cooperation, and sustainable development.

In the heart of Almedalen, together with our partners, we bring together decision-makers, experts, and engaged changemakers for discussions on today’s global challenges and the solutions needed to address them. Meet representatives from the United Nations, civil society, business, and academia to explore humanitarian needs, sustainable development, and how we can work together to build a more humane, inclusive, and resilient world.

We warmly invite you to join the conversation.

Organisers

UNHCR, in collaboration with Act Church of Sweden, Better Shelter, Civil Rights Defenders, CONCORD Sweden, Diakonia, EuroAcademy, Folke Bernadotte Academy, International Rescue Committee, Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation, LM International, Swedish Society for Nature Conservation, Embassy of the Netherlands, ONE Campaign, Plan International Sweden, PMU, Sweden for UNHCR, Swedish UNESCO Council, UN Women, World Food Programme, and World Vision.

Global Dialogue Garden

📅 24 June, Wednesday, 12:45–20:00

📍Birgers gränd 7, Visby

Programme

Wednesday, 13:00–13:45: What Happens When We Start Rewriting the Rules? Is Moral Leadership in Retreat?

Across the world, international law and multilateral cooperation are increasingly being questioned. Conventions designed to protect refugees, children, and other vulnerable groups are sometimes viewed as negotiable. If we set aside international agreements whenever they become politically inconvenient, on what basis can we hold others accountable? And what happens when norms we helped shape no longer align with national priorities?

Wednesday, 13:45–14:00: How Can the EU Protect Individuals Standing Up for Human Rights During Armed Conflicts?

As more countries become embroiled in armed conflict and foreign occupation, human rights defenders face growing threats and attacks. How can the EU act to protect them?

Wednesday, 14:00–14:45: The Global Humanitarian System in Crisis and Reform: How Can We Do More with Less – and Do It Better?

The world is facing record humanitarian needs while funding is shrinking, leaving millions without support. This has placed immense pressure on the global humanitarian system, leading to difficult choices and far-reaching reforms. How should Swedish development assistance evolve in this new context?

Wednesday, 14:45–15:00: The Empathy Crisis – What Happens When We Stop Caring?

Nordic societies have long been built on trust and mutual care, forming the foundation of stability, prosperity, and social cohesion. Yet public discourse is increasingly dominated by narratives of crisis. What happens to a society when the sense of constant crisis takes over?

Wednesday, 15:00–15:45: No Peace Without Justice – What Can Be Done About Impunity for International Crimes in Ukraine?

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine constitutes a serious violation of international law. At the same time, civilians continue to face indiscriminate attacks. Extensive reports have documented war crimes committed by Russian forces, including torture of prisoners of war, sexual violence against civilians, and the deportation of children. Join us for a seminar providing an up-to-date overview of efforts to combat impunity for international crimes in Ukraine.

Wednesday, 15:45–16:00: Where Is Swedish Development Aid Headed? Priorities, Choices, and Consequences

Swedish development cooperation faces important choices: should it primarily focus on reducing poverty, or should it also serve national interests? In a time of war, climate crisis, and growing humanitarian needs, these priorities shape who receives support, as well as Sweden’s role, credibility, and responsibilities in the world. This conversation invites participants to reflect on Sweden’s future role in international development cooperation.

Wednesday, 16:00–16:45: What Is a Peace Agreement Worth If the War Continues?

Although peace agreements are signed around the world, genuine peace often remains elusive. Violence persists, conflicts re-emerge, and many groups are excluded from peace processes. How can we build sustainable peace in an era of increasingly complex conflicts, where quick agreements often take precedence over long-term solutions?

Wednesday, 16:45–17:00: Taking from the Hungry to Give to the Starving – Sudan’s Humanitarian Catastrophe After Three Years of War

Sudan is the world’s largest and most neglected humanitarian crisis. Fourteen million Sudanese have been displaced, and more than 19 million people face acute hunger. How do two of the world’s largest humanitarian organisations operate when needs are soaring while funding is shrinking?

Wednesday, 17:00–17:45: Sudan – The World’s Largest Humanitarian Catastrophe

How can cooperation between governments, the UN, civil society, and the private sector strengthen the response to one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises? More than 30 million people in Sudan need assistance, over half of them children whose homes, schools, and families have been torn apart by conflict.

Wednesday, 17.45–18.30: Strategic or Naive – How Should Sweden Navigate Between Defence and Conflict Prevention?

As global security becomes increasingly unstable, political priorities are shifting towards defence spending at the expense of development assistance and diplomacy. At the same time, humanitarian needs are growing exponentially due to more conflicts, an accelerating climate crisis, and rising numbers of people forced to flee their homes. What does security really mean, and how do we build it?

Wednesday, 18:30–20:00: The Global Networking Reception at Almedalen

Join us for an evening reception and meet civil society organisations, government agencies, businesses, researchers, and decision-makers committed to advancing a just and sustainable future. Non-alcoholic beverages and light refreshments will be served. Additional drinks will be available for purchase at the bar.

Other Activities

Tuesday–Wednesday, 09:00–18:00: Step Inside a Refugee Tent

📍Strandvägen, Site 522

What does daily life look like for the people behind the refugee statistics? Inside one of the refugee tents used by UNHCR around the world, visitors can learn about our work and gain a tangible insight into the realities faced by displaced people. Built to withstand extreme heat, cold, heavy rain, and strong winds, the tent provides more than shelter from the elements—it often becomes a family's first step toward safety and hope for the future.

Wednesday 13.00 – 20.00: The 75th Anniversary of the Refugee Convention – Celebrating the World’s Most Important Lifesaver in Challenging Times

When the Refugee Convention was adopted after the Second World War, countries agreed that people fleeing persecution and danger have the right to protection. For 75 years, the Convention has saved millions of lives. What does it mean today, and how do we defend the right to seek protection in an increasingly uncertain world? Join us in celebrating the world's most remarkable 75-year-old.

Wednesday, 12:45–20:00: Global Gender Equality and the Rights of Women and Girls

Gender equality is a prerequisite for peaceful and sustainable societies. Yet today we are witnessing setbacks in the rights of women and girls around the world, alongside declining levels of funding. At a time when global gender equality is more important than ever, meet representatives from UN Women Sweden at Global Dialogue Garden and learn more about their work.