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SWEDEN:

Amb. Peter Osvald, on behalf of the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden), stressed that population size and rate of growth should be examined in relation to the society of which they are a product. The role of society should be to facilitate choice by the individual and couples. The empowerment of women in society must be championed in its own right and there must be a concurrent changing of attitudes and responsibilities of men. Reproductive rights, reproductive health and family planning are crucial. The Nordics found that the annotated outline needs more strength and clarity on the issue of adolescents and young people. The document should also reflect the concept of partnership between national governments and external assistance. If national goals are adopted they should be linked to the availability of services (i.e., education, child care or reproductive health).