Sharing Sweden with the world
The Swedish Institute (SI) is a public agency that promotes interest and confidence in Sweden around the world. SI seeks to establish cooperation and lasting relations with other countries through strategic communication and exchange in the fields of culture, education, science and business. SI also supports Swedish language instruction at foreign universities. SI works closely with Swedish embassies and consulates around the world.
Relationships depend on communication
The Swedish Institute’s work with Sweden’s image and its activities in international development cooperation go hand in hand. The institute’s overarching goal is to create mutual relationships with other countries around the world, whether the issue is culture, politics, trade, or development cooperation. However, in order to achieve this goal, awareness of and interest in Sweden must first increase.
The Swedish Institute operates within the framework of public diplomacy – understanding, informing, influencing and developing relations with people in other countries. Unlike traditional diplomacy, which mainly involves communication and relations between the governments of different countries, public diplomacy is aimed primarily at communicating and developing relations directly with the general public and civil societies abroad. This has taken on increased importance in an era of democracy, mass communication and mass consumption where borders are erased and individuals, through their choices and opinions, are to an ever greater extent the ones who set the agenda.
Relationships and exchanges contribute to development
Relationships and exchanges contribute to development - both in Sweden and in our collaborative partner countries around the world. Through increased contacts and new networks, knowledge and innovative ideas can be shared and applied in the future to all areas, not least to trade, culture and politics. The SI’s collaboration with developing countries is an important part of this work. We can offer Swedish expertise and skills at the same time as incentives, networks and opportunities in our partner countries benefit Sweden.
The Swedish Institute has extensive experience of international relations, building sustainable networks between Sweden and other countries for exchange and public diplomacy. SI takes the view that successful public diplomacy is ultimately based on listening, getting to know one’s partners/target groups and creating conditions whereby people can meet. As in all lasting relationships openness, dialogue and reciprocity are essential.
Short facts
The Swedish Institute...
- Puts Sweden on the map by using strategic communication,
- Creates intercultural relations through meetings, exchanges and the building of networks,
- Focuses on culture, society, education and science,
- Has a staff of 110 with offices in Stockholm, Visby and Paris,
- Receives annual government funding of approx. SEK 300 million.