HRH The Crown Princess opening speech at the Swedish pavilion during Expo 2020 Health and Wellness Week

It is my great pleasure to address you today here at the World Expo in Dubai, in the beautiful Swedish pavilion “the Forest”.

Let me also take this opportunity to send my congratulations on the fifty-year anniversary of the founding of the United Arab Emirates.

Ladies and gentlemen:

You are here today to discuss a matter that is close to my heart: our global health challenges, and how Swedish health care and life science actors can contribute to meeting them.

It is my hope that many new ideas and collaborations will see the light of day here “in the Forest”, and I look forward to hearing more about them.

For almost two years now, the covid pandemic has affected all of us. It has shown us how precious life is – and how vulnerable our societies are. Hopefully, we can learn from all this and build a stronger, more sustainable and resilient world for the future.

Sweden, as a country, is innovative, export oriented and internationally open. We know that innovation springs from exchange and co-creation. We also know that we need international cooperation to flourish and meet the global challenges of the future - including those related to health.

One such challenge is the great threat of anti-microbial resistance. As a Swede, I am proud that my country and its scientists are taking an active role in fighting this global hazard. And I am pleased that this urgent issue is next on today’s agenda.

During these two days here in the Swedish pavilion, some of the most prominent representatives for the Swedish healthcare and life science sector will participate, sharing their experience and knowledge with counterparts from all over the world.

I have personally had the opportunity to meet several of the companies and agencies represented here.

I have seen on site, both in Sweden and here in the Emirates, how Swedish research and innovation can contribute to better health for all.

And just like all of you, I know from personal experience what good healthcare can mean; I know that it can mean everything.

Ladies and gentlemen: I wish you all the best of luck with your attendance here at Expo 2020. And now, it is my great honour to declare the event “Redefining Health and Care – Unique Opportunities Beyond the Pandemic”, officially opened!