Women and Security: Sweden’s Nordic Center on Gender in Military Operations

On March 14, 2013, in Sweden, by Ambassador Brzezinski
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Engaging women in security and peace-keeping is critical to advancing global stability and a safer world. Women are among the most affected by violence during conflict periods and have some of the most nuanced knowledge on how to generate peaceful consensus within their communities.  As former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said in December 2011 at a speech in New York:

“From Northern Ireland to Liberia to Nepal and many places in between, we have seen that when women participate in peace processes, they focus discussion on issues like human rights, justice, national reconciliation, and economic renewal that are critical to making peace, but often are overlooked in formal negotiations. They build coalitions across ethnic and sectarian lines, and they speak up for other marginalized groups. They act as mediators and help to foster compromise. And when women organize in large numbers, they galvanize opinion and help change the course of history.”

In this spirit, on 22 February 2013, the Swedish armed forces signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Headquarters, Supreme Allied Command Transformation (HQ SACT) and Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) that formalizes Sweden’s Nordic Center for Gender in Military Operations (NCGM) as lead for gender education and training by designating it as the Department Head (DH) for all NATO- led curricula concerning gender.

The cooperation established by this MoU will allow open participation from NATO, NATO nations, nations participating in Partnership for Peace (PfP), non-NATO/non-PfP nations and International Organizations / non-Governmental Organizations (IO/NGO) in accordance with NATO policy for NATO accredited courses.

As the NATO DH for gender education and training, the NCGM, will have many roles/responsibilities, but three of the highlights are as follows: (1) NCGM will translate operational requirements into education and training objectives within the subject of gender and related programs, modules and courses; (2) NCGM will establish training standards to which the NATO gender program courses will adhere; (3) NCGM will collaborate with both HQ SACT and SHAPE to ensure courses and curricula conform to NATO requirements.

This is good news for Sweden and NATO! This MOU culminates almost one year of coordination between SACT, SHAPE and the Swedish armed forces/Ministry of Defense. Sweden long ago recognized that if any Peace Support Operation (PSO) was to be successful that it would demand a comprehensive approach that involves the entire population: men, women, boys and girls. The area of gender perspectives has traditionally been neglected when planning, executing and evaluating PSOs. When ensuring the implementation of gender perspectives, the need for training and education is crucial. That is the reason that Sweden established the NCGM and then had its opening ceremony on 24 January 2012. It is just another example of Sweden’s “moral authority” that is recognized around the world.

So, congratulations to Sweden and the NCGM for their designation as Department Head for all NATO-led curricula concerning gender!

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A Visit to Nellis Air Force Base With Swedish Friends

On January 28, 2013, in Sweden, by Ambassador Brzezinski
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Ambassador Brzezinski and the Swedish delegation at Red Flag at Nellis AFB.

“Red Flag”. In the world of military aviation, those words are synonymous with excellence in flying training and development. This past Thursday, I had the unique honor to accompany Mr. Carl von der Esch, the State Secretary for the Swedish Ministry of Defense, Ms. Lena Erixon, the Director General of the Swedish Defense Material Administration, Mr. Jonas Hafstrom, the Swedish Ambassador to the US, and other Swedish officials on a visit to Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. The purpose of our visit was to learn about Red Flag and to bear witness to the Swedish Air Force’s participation in this elite exercise. The US Air Force’s Warfare Center hosts Red Flag, and invites foreign military participation. The Swedes brought pilots, maintenance personnel and support teams, and of course Saab’s JAS Gripen aircraft. In all, the Swedes had 112 personnel and 8 JAS Gripen aircraft taking part in this prestigious exercise. As US Ambassador to Sweden, it was really nice for me to see the JAS Gripen aircraft lined up on the tarmac, right next to our USAF F-16s.

I can not emphasize enough the following: the Swedish Air Force was not invited to Red Flag as a casual courtesy. Instead, the Swedish Air Force and their pilots earned their seat at the Red Flag table. By performing ably in operations like Unified Protector over Libya, where the Swedish Air Force performed their reconnaissance role brilliantly, the Swedes have shown their capacity and ability to produce results. At Nellis, we met with the Swedish pilots and support personnel. Talking with them, with the roar of jet engines in the background, was a memorable moment for me.

Our host at Nellis, USAF Major General Lofgren (a Swedish American!), organized a terrific program that gave us a window into the thinking that underpins Red Flag. While bad weather (it rained for the first time in months!) prevented many from flying that day, we learned so much through our interactions. And we also had the awesome opportunity to meet some of the incomparable USAF Thunderbirds and their maintenance technicians. The Thunderbirds have flown in aviation shows all over the world. I hope one day they bring their talents to Sweden.

One final word about Red Flag, as US Ambassador I am privileged to work with public servants every day. In my mind, the US military is pretty unmatchable. The sacrifice, the professionalism, and the commitment to duty of our fellow citizens in uniform is awesome. I saw that again at Nellis. I humbly salute them, and thank them for their remarkable sacrifice.

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Secretary Clinton’s Historic Visit to Sweden

On June 7, 2012, in Mark, by Ambassador Brzezinski
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Secretary of State Clinton being introduced to Embassy staff by Ambassador and Mrs. Brzezinski

Natalia and I have been in Sweden for less than seven months, but I honestly can not think of any other period of time in my life more packed with excitement than this first half-year in Stockholm.  We have had the time of our lives, and literally every day has been unforgettable.   But just when I thought it could not possibly get any better…the Secretary of State comes to visit!  What an incredible honor – and what an amazing recognition of the importance of our friendship with Sweden, and the high value our most important leaders place on this relationship.  This was the first visit to Sweden in more than 30 years by a U.S. Secretary of State, purely for the purpose of enhancing, deepening, and honoring the relationship between our two countries. And that’s what made it historic.

Swedish-American relations have never been stronger or warmer.  Literally as the Secretary landed on the coldest day in Sweden in decades, the warmth of Foreign Minister Bildt and his wife ,who joined Natalia and I in greeting the Secretary on the wet tarmac, was palpable and set the tone for the entire visit.
Sweden is in the very front ranks with us in direct engagement with the immediate global problems we all confront. Our Swedish hosts were both honored and very pleased the Secretary travelled to Stockholm. They welcomed Secretary Clinton with the same enthusiasm that the staff and families of US Embassy Stockholm did. We are so proud of our Secretary of State, and we are proud of the American – Swedish relationship which her visit deepened and honored.

A Powerful Global Partnership Based on Shared Values

As Secretary Clinton said, Sweden is – and has long been – one of America’s top partners and one of our oldest friends.  Importantly, Sweden brings its diplomatic heft and its development expertise to nearly every corner of the globe.  When it comes to global priorities, whether it is Afghanistan, Iran, counter-terrorism, global economic reform, humanitarian assistance, the Swedes are right by our side.  It is a relationship based on shared and deeply cherished values, values which we and Sweden are both committed to protecting.

At the recent NATO Summit in Chicago, the U.S. warmly welcomed Sweden as one of NATO’s strongest partners, standing with us in Afghanistan as we begin the transition to full Afghan responsibility for security by 2014, as well as working for the betterment of the Afghan people into the future.  In addition, Sweden offered NATO the use of its Nordic Center for Gender in Military Operations, which further demonstrates the strong and positive relationship between Sweden and NATO.  Secretary Clinton recognized this important offer in her remarks in Stockholm with the Swedish Prime Minister Frederick Reinfeldt and Foreign Minister Carl Bildt.

Working Together To Keep The Internet Free

The Secretary also noted the close cooperation we share with the Swedes when it comes to protecting Internet Freedom.  She applauded Sweden’s leadership on Internet Freedom issues, stressing that those rights belong in the Internet as much as they do in the “real” world.  She also commended our Embassy for maximizing our social media platforms, and in particular for our our work in reaching out to Swedish bloggers.  As we all know, Foreign Minister Carl Bildt is a prolific blogger himself.  So when he

complimented our embassy’s use of social media as a model for his own ministry to follow, it was high praise indeed! And when it comes to all of the large challenges that know no boundaries, such as climate change, or gender equality, or Internet freedom, it is true that Sweden is not just on the front lines, but leading.  And I am greatly appreciative for all of that work, and look forward to enhancing it in the months and years ahead.

Dealing With Climate Change Together

Personally, I’m delighted that Secretary Clinton also chose to focus on climate and the environment during her visit. Sweden and the U.S. have a strong partnership in this area — both countries are initiators of a global coalition to address short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs). Secretary Clinton joined Sweden’s Environment Minister Lena Ek and H.R.H. Crown Princess Victoria at an event launching the coalition’s global awareness-raising efforts, and in her remarks she said: “Few people actually know about the impact we could have on global warming if we aggressively target short-lived climate pollutants.  And fewer still know that many cost-effective solutions already exist and are just waiting to be broadly implemented.”

To bolster the efforts led by Sweden and the U.S. to raise awareness about SLCPs, Secretary Clinton announced a global contest to find the most creative ideas for raising awareness of short-lived climate pollutants and the work that must be done to stop them. You can find details on the contest at www.unep.org/ccac.

It was so terrific to have the Secretary visit Stockholm and to spend some time with our Embassy team and their families.  Our Meet and Greet with Embassy staff and families was warm and uplifting, and reflected the respect and admiration our Secretary of State has for public service.  That she took time for photos with our Marines, our Embassy’s kids and all of us will long be remembered.  As the father of a young daughter with a wife joining me in a commitment to women’s empowerment, it was inspiring to have Secretary Clinton visit Sweden, as she is a global leader on this and many other issues.  In Sweden she finds a willing and capable partner which shares our values, as Sweden’s government today has more women ministers than men, including a female Minister of Defense.  Tack så mycket (“Thank you so much” in Swedish) Madame Secretary!!!!

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Boldly Going Where This Man Has Not Been Before

On April 3, 2012, in Mark, by Ambassador Brzezinski
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Last week, I had the honor of leading a group of Swedish and Finnish defense officials on a visit aboard USS ENTERPRISE (CVN-65) as part of the ship’s last deployment.  I am attaching a picture of us about to embark on that memorable day.

At the invitation of the U.S. Naval Sixth Fleet, guests from Swedish and Finnish Ministry of Defense, Parliament and Armed Forces were invited for the day long visit.  Our group was flown out to the carrier and experienced an “arrested” landing, as well as a “catapult” launch.  Well, actually two landings as we had a rare occurrence of a “hook skip” where the tail hook of our aircraft actually jumped over the wires that were waiting to bring us to an abrupt stop.  Thankfully, aircraft carrier pilots are prepared for such an event and we landed successfully on the second attempt!

Between those memorable events, the Swedish and Finnish guests learned about interoperability between Navies and the carrier’s ability to support the full spectrum of foreign policy from humanitarian assistance through power projection.   This theme was consistent throughout the visit as many times aircraft carriers are only thought of in the sense of attacking targets.  However, during its last deployment in 2011, USS ENTERPRISE participated in the anti-piracy mission off the coast of Africa, much as the Swedish Navy did in 2010.

Another key observation for the guests was the absolute professionalism displayed by the crew of the carrier and the pilots of its air wing.  On its 4.5 acre (18,000 square meters) flight deck–the largest in the world, with winds gusting over 30 knots, jet engines literally over the heads of the personnel working while aircraft were taking off and landing just 20 meters away, there was a ballet-level of precision.  We were told the average age of those personnel was a mere 19 years old and yet every one of them knew the overall mission of the carrier, their position in contributing to that mission and the required teamwork to accomplish the mission.  The ship and air wing leaders provided the training, direction and resources and then let the team complete the mission.

Our Swedish and Finnish guests left the carrier knowing a bit more about the ability of our military forces, as well as our willingness and desire to work with other nations.  I think they also left with a bit of admiration for the fine men and women of our country.  It was truly a day I will always remember.

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To a great 2012!

On January 11, 2012, in Mark, by Ambassador Brzezinski
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As the new U.S. Ambassador in Sweden, I can’t tell you how enthusiastic I am about the coming year.  I want to share with you some of the events the Embassy is organizing, but first an anecdote.

 
After I was confirmed by the Senate to be Ambassador to Sweden, I had the opportunity to ask former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright for her advice on what makes a good Ambassador.  Her wise response was illuminating:

First, good ambassadors “don’t take themselves too seriously” [Good advice, and not just for Ambassadors!]

Second, she said, the way America is viewed around the world is changing and can be shaped positively by a dynamic embassy team that listens and learns and engages in a humble and inclusive way with the people and government of the country in which they are posted.

As Ambassador, I take that advice to heart, and as I plan our agenda for 2012 I am working with my embassy team to engage with the government and people of Sweden in way that helpfully interprets American priorities, policies and perspectives.  And a great agenda is beginning to materialize.
In 2012, Sweden will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Raoul Wallenberg, a diplomat whose efforts to save Hungarian Jews from the Holocaust clearly demonstrate the importance of not being indifferent.  He paid with his life for that commitment.  It will be our mission at U.S. Embassy Sweden to advance the American – Swedish relationship in a way that honors that legacy.

 

At the U.S. Embassy, we have formed an internal cluster to think how best to celebrate the basic values Raoul Wallenberg stood for.  One excellent recommendation that emerged from our team – and that we will implement in 2012 at an appropriate time for planting – is to plant a horse chestnut tree in honor of Raoul Wallenberg.  That strain of tree is famous from the legacy of Anne Frank, as it was a horse chestnut in the center of Amsterdam which she mentioned in her diary.  The tree will be endowed with a Raoul Wallenberg plaque.  It will serve as a living symbol of Wallenberg’s legacy that we hope will inspire future generations of both Americans and Swedes to protect basic values as a universal imperative.

 
Sweden now holds the rotating chairmanship of the Arctic Council.  Since the United States is a member of that Council, we at U.S. Embassy Sweden are enthusiastically working with Sweden to advance our common goals of protecting the environment and conserving the Arctic’s biological resources while promoting economic cooperation.  At the end of January I will travel to Jokkmokk in the northern Norbotten province of Sweden to attend and speak at the Jokkmokk Winter Conference.  It will be my goal to convey at the conference my deep personal passion for protecting the environment and biodiversity, and to listen and learn from other attendees on how we can work together to address climate change and its effects in the Arctic that are threatening the future of the North.

 
In 2012, we will be working hard to tactically implement Secretary of State Clinton’s vision of Economic Statecraft.  The Secretary has been eloquent in articulating the overlay between the commercial context and the strategic context.  Deputy Secretary of State Tom Nides also crystallized it when he said “We are living at a moment when economics is at the heart of what it means to lead in this world.”  I and the Embassy team will focus on a multi-pronged strategy when it comes to Economic Statecraft:  promoting public-private partnerships especially when it comes to socially responsible causes, and bringing in U.S. trade missions to promote business to business relationships.  In the coming year, our embassy will also work on a variety of initiatives designed to partner with Sweden to promote anti-bribery and anti-corruption overseas.  With the Arab spring, the timing has never been more ripe for engaging young people and women in entrepreneurship, sharing best practices and transferring American and Swedish values of openness and transparency.

 
Also on our agenda early in 2012 we are focusing on military ties as a top priority, because Sweden is a role model for what it is to be a helpful NATO partner.  The United States salutes the valuable contributions of Sweden in Afghanistan (where Sweden has over 500 troops) and in Libya, where as part of the coalition the Swedes deployed eight aircraft for reconnaissance purposes.  I am very pleased to say that in January we will welcome former Deputy Secretary of Defense Bill Lynn to Stockholm.  Our embassy is partnering with the Swedish think tank “Folk och Försvar” to host a lecture series, and Mr. Lynn will be presenting a lecture discussing cybersecurity and defense restructuring.  As Mr. Lynn wrote in a 2011 article in Foreign Affairs, “cyber technologies now exist that are capable of destroying critical networks, causing physical damage, or altering the performance of key systems. In the twenty-first century, bits and bytes are as threatening as bullets and bombs.”  It promises to be a fascinating discussion.

 
So we are just thrilled with the beginning of 2012 – and hope you are too — as they say here in Sweden “Gott Nytt År!” – Happy New Year!

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