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Sweco to design new regional hospital for relocated city of Kiruna in northern Sweden
November 20, 2024 | Press release
Sweden’s northernmost city Kiruna is being relocated three kilometres to the east, due to the expansion of the iron ore mine which is the town’s primary economic resource. In this major urban transformation project, Sweco has been awarded the prestigious task of designing and planning the new regional hospital and its surroundings. The client is the local authority Region Norrbotten and the new hospital is expected to be ready around 2029–2031. Kiruna’s new hospital will be built in an old mining area and is tasked with providing the same healthcare services as the current hospital, but in improved, rationalised and future-proof premises.   “From Sweco’s side, we are ready to contribute our expertise to help create this important component of societal infrastructure that will benefit the citizens of Kiruna for many years to come. Our goal is not just to create a hospital that meets today’s healthcare needs, but one that also is sustainable, robust and adapted for the future,” says Ann-Louise Lökholm Klasson, Business Area President of Sweco in Sweden. Sweco will plan and design the building and surroundings and ensure that the project not only fulfils the functional requirements, but also becomes a landmark building that Kiruna residents can be proud of.   “Sweco has significant experience in planning, designing and managing construction projects for hospitals. We are supporting Region Norrbotten with a multidisciplinary team that combines local expertise, advanced engineering and architecture skills – and that can manage the unique challenges of building north of the Arctic Circle,” says Ann-Louise Lökholm Klasson.   As the lead consultant, Sweco will take overall responsibility for the programme documentation, drawing on a multitude of Sweco's competencies and areas of expertise to ensure effective planning and execution. About the relocation of Kiruna: The city of Kiruna is located in the north of Sweden, 145 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle. It was originally built to serve what is now the largest and most modern underground iron ore mine in the world. For quite many years now, the city has been undergoing a major urban , where the entire town is being moved “” to cater for continued expansion of the mine, which is the town’s primary economic resource. By 2035, the current city centre will have been replaced with the newly developed city centre. About Sweco’s healthcare expertise: Sweco has significant experience of advising clients in healthcare, from supporting industrial clients within the healthcare and pharma sector, to planning, designing, and optimising hospitals and other health-oriented building projects. Sweco’s current and past experience from healthcare projects include private- and public-sector clients in Norway, Sweden, Belgium and Luxembourg among others. Photo of Ann-Louise Lökholm Klasson, Sweco Sweden, free use, please credit: Anna W Thorbjörnsson For more information:
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Continued Weak Economic Climate

As of September 2024, Sweden's economic situation remains weak. The GDP indicator declined both in September and for the third quarter overall. Unemployment continued to rise; however, there was a positive note with an increase in production within the business sector during September. Frida Olsson, an economist at SCB, stated that the Swedish economy is experiencing nearly zero growth compared to the same period last year.

Economic Indicators

The SCB's economic clock shows that while the overall climate is weak, there are signs of recovery. In September, six out of thirteen monthly indicators were in a recovery phase, including the GDP indicator.

 

Further information can be found in Statistics Sweden’s periodical, “Sveriges ekonomi – statistiskt perspektiv” (in Swedish) - by pressing .

 Source: Statistics Sweden.

  https://www.scb.se/hitta-statistik/statistik-efter-amne/nationalrakenskaper/amnesovergripande-statistik/sveriges-ekonomi-statistiskt-perspektiv/pong/statistiknyhet/sveriges-ekonomi--statistiskt-perspektiv-nr-11-2024/
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Kim-Lian van der Meij Featured on “Ivo, Even op Zaterdag”

The November 16, 2024, episode of "Ivo, Even op Zaterdag" (Ivo, Just on Saturday) showcased Kim-Lian van der Meij and her family's life in Sweden. The 45-minute segment aired on AVROTROS, offered viewers a glimpse into Kim-Lian's daily routine on the Swedish island of Gotland.

The program highlighted the family's transition to island life, providing an intimate look at their new home and surroundings. Kim-Lian, known for her career in Dutch entertainment, has embraced a different lifestyle since moving to Gotland with her partner, Daniel and their three children.

In addition to featuring her current life, the show mentioned Kim-Lian's upcoming performance at the Swedish Chamber of Commerce Annual Lucia Dinner, scheduled for December 6, 2024. This event connects her Swedish residence with her ongoing involvement in cultural activities.

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Sweden’s COP29 financial package
Article from Ministry of Climate and Enterprise, 
  Sweden is and will remain one of the world’s most generous donors of international climate finance. Swedish climate aid will be expanded and streamlined. With its substantial contribution in 2022, Sweden played a significant role in achieving the goal of USD 100 billion per year in global climate finance. Sweden’s contribution to international climate finance is at the core of its climate policy. International climate finance will contribute to both emissions reductions and climate adaptation. In connection with the COP29 climate change conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, Sweden is providing several new types of financial support. The support supplements Sweden’s existing climate finance. The majority of Swedish climate aid is provided via Sida – in 2023, this was SEK 5.2 billion. Sweden’s total climate aid totalled SEK 9.4 billion in 2023, an increase of more than SEK 800 million compared to 2022. Alongside the abovementioned climate funds, Sweden provides approximately SEK 100 million annually to the Nordic Development Fund and is providing around SEK 670 million to the Global Environment Facility in 2024. This joint international climate finance is a commitment under the Paris Agreement. To achieve the goals of the Agreement, international climate finance must increase. The donor base needs to be broadened and more countries need to contribute. Sweden welcomes other countries’ increased contributions and urges countries that have not contributed to do so, so that we can jointly mobilise for a green transition around the world. As part of the Government’s reform agenda, Sweden is working to link climate aid and international climate finance with trade promotion. Swedish businesses and the Swedish resource base have a lot to share and to contribute to other countries’ green transition.   Read the article and see the detailed Support here: .  
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Annual Member Survey – Young Professional Week Winner!
The Swedish Chamber Member Survey 2024 continues, and we are thrilled to announce another weekly prize winner! Congratulations to Sara Bonds, Adams Multilingual Recruitment, who received her prize last week during the Young Professionals Company Visit at Svalner Atlas Group. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has shared their valuable insights so far. Your participation helps us enhance our services and tailor activities to better meet the needs of our members. Haven’t had a chance to complete the survey yet? Don’t miss out! The survey closes on Friday, November 22, and there are still exciting prizes waiting to be won. Click on the link below to fill out the Annual Member Survey.
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We are honored to present Dr. Cara Antoine on December 6, 2024
We are honoured to introduce as one of our distinguished speakers at the upcoming Swedish Chamber of Commerce Sustainability & Innovation Summit 2024 on 6 December! Dr Cara Antoine is a globally respected leader, visionary speaker, and bestselling author, deeply committed to championing societal, economic, and environmental advancements. As Executive Vice President and Chief Technology, Innovation & Portfolio Officer for Europe, she guides C-suite leaders across industries on harnessing innovation to accelerate digital and cultural transformation. With over 30 years of experience spanning technology, education, and sustainability, Dr Cara Antoine has held key roles in world-class companies, including , , Compaq, and . Her accolades include the 2023 "Global Leader of the Year" by Women Changing the World and Women in Governance, Risk, and Compliance’s “ESG Officer of the Year.” Recognised as one of Computable’s Top 100 Most Influential Women, she continues to shape the future of technology and equity.   Join us as Dr Cara Antoine shares her insights into sustainable growth, tech-driven transformation, and the importance of diversity in the innovation space. Don’t miss this chance to hear from an exceptional leader at the intersection of technology, humanity, and progress! Register now to secure your spot, click !
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Ambassador Joost Reintjes Received by King of Sweden
In Sweden, it is customary for newly appointed ambassadors to meet the head of state as part of their official introduction. This practice is rooted in international diplomatic tradition but varies in its execution across different countries. In Sweden, the reception of foreign envoys is marked by a unique and historic ceremony that reflects centuries-old customs. On November 14, 2024, Ambassador Joost Reintjes of the Kingdom of the Netherlands was among the foreign envoys received by King Carl XVI Gustaf during a formal audience at the Royal Palace. This event underscores Sweden's commitment to diplomatic relations and its rich ceremonial heritage.
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Europe at the Crossroads Event
On 13 November, the International Management Trainees of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce had the privilege of attending the Europe at the Crossroads event, hosted by Stockholms Akademiska Forum, the European Commission's representation in the Netherlands, the Swedish Embassy in the Netherlands, and the Leiden University Europe Hub. The event featured a stimulating discussion on Europe's pressing political and institutional challenges. We were particularly grateful for the opportunity to meet and hear from H.E. Johannes Oljelund, Ambassador of Sweden to the Netherlands, who shared valuable insights during the panel discussion. Our heartfelt thanks go to the organisers for extending the invitation and facilitating such an enriching afternoon of conversation and networking.
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