H.K.H. Kronprinsessans öppningsanförande vid näringslivsseminariet Sustainable Partnership Summit

Prince Daniel and I are truly delighted to be back in Seoul – a city full of energy, creativity, and forward thinking.

This visit reminds us of the long and warm friendship between the Republic of Korea and Sweden, built on trust, shared values, and a deep belief in the power of cooperation.

It is an honour to open this Sustainable Partnership Summit, gathering people and companies who are shaping the world of tomorrow. Working together for the green transition is not only important – it is essential for our economies, for our societies, and for the generations to come.

Both the Republic of Korea and Sweden have set ambitious goals for a carbon-neutral future – in 2050 and 2045 respectively. To reach those goals, we must strengthen our strategic partnerships and share our best ideas, technologies, and experiences.

Sweden is deeply committed to being a key partner for the Republic of Korea in sustainability, innovation, and digitalisation. Together, we can turn technology into progress and progress into hope.

Ladies and gentlemen,

I am proud that this summit brings together representatives from some of Sweden’s most innovative companies.

Let me share two examples that already show what partnership can achieve.

The first is the cooperation between RISE – the Research Institute of Sweden and the Korea Evaluation Institute of Technology, advancing research in semiconductors and maritime technology.

The second partnership is our joint interest in High Voltage Direct Current power transmission. Few may know that Sweden built the world’s first HVDC link already in the 1950s, connecting the mainland to the island of Gotland in the Baltic Sea.

That experience now supports the Republic of Korea’s efforts to expand the “Energy Highway” – a perfect example of how our countries can share knowledge for a cleaner future.

Several new strategic collaboration agreements and MoU’s will be signed here today. Each one represents not just a contract, but a promise to build a better world.

Sweden and the Republic of Korea have both the expertise and the determination to lead the green transition. By deepening our partnership, we can drive innovation, strengthen competitiveness, and create opportunities that benefit people in our countries and far beyond.

Let this summit inspire us to move from ideas to action, from ambition to achievement – together.

Thank you.