Innovation, sustainability take center stage at Swedish National Day online celebration

Sweden’s Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Harald Fries answers some of the most-searched questions about Sweden in a virtual “relay Q&A” by members of #TEAMSWEDEN2.0, in commemmoration of Sweden’s National Day on Saturday, June 6. (Courtesy: Embassy of Sweden in Manila)

(Eagle News) – The Embassy of Sweden in Manila commemorated on Saturday, June 6, its Swedish National Day via an online celebration highlighting the country’s core values of innovation, sustainability, and respect for the environment.

“We usually celebrate Swedish National Day with a big party. This year, because of the extraordinary circumstances, we do it differently. We have a week-long digital celebration”, H.E. Harald Fries, Ambassador of Sweden in the Philippines, said in a virtual “relay Q&A” where he answered some of the most Googled questions about Sweden.

The online celebration, called “Sweden Live: National Day @ home,” is a day-long livestream which featured Swedish music, cook-a-longs and tutorials, guided museum tours, and short features of famous Swedish personalities.

“Most Filipinos know the Swedish music icons ABBA. But Sweden is home to many more stars like Roxette, Robyn, and Zara Larsson, and producers and songwriters like Max Martin, RedOne, and the late Avicii”, Ambassador Fries said.

He noted that Sweden has highest number of choirs per capita in the entire world.

Ambassador Fries also shared that being a small economy, Sweden relies on trading with other countries, “and this forces us to be innovative.”

One of the world’s most famous inventors, Alfred Nobel after whom the Nobel Prize is named, is Swedish. He invented the dynamite, blasting cap, and smokeless gunpowder. Other Swedish inventions include the pacemaker, adjustable wrench, three-point seatbelt, digital doctors, and the modern-day zipper.

Sweden is also well-known for its sustainability programs, ranking 1st in the 2019 Global Competitiveness Index and 2nd in the Global Cleanteach Innovation Index and the UN Sustainable Goals Index. The country also aims to make its transport sector fossil-free by 2030.

“99% of all household waste in Sweden is recycled or turned into energy”, Ambassador Fries said.

Sweden celebrates its National Day in honor of two historial events: the election of Gustav Vasa as King in 1523 which laid the foundation of Sweden as an independent state, and the adoption of a new constitution in 1809.

Celebrated since 1983, Sweden’s National Day was declared a public holiday in 2005, and its highlights include a celebration with the King and Queen at Skansen open-air museum and special ceremonies welcoming new Swedish citizens.

In the Philippines, the National Day celebration also featured a “Q&A relay” with #TEAMSWEDEN2.0, composed of individuals who collaborate to promote Sweden’s core values and innovation in the Philippines.

Ambassador Fries, who is married to Filipina Madam Susan Batungbacal Fries, added that his 30-year marriage is his “favorite example of the strong relationship between Sweden and the Philippines.”

The Embassy of Sweden in the Philippines, closed in 2008 due to the global financial crisis, reopened in 2016. Meanwhile, the Philippines reopened its Embassy in Stockholm, Sweden in May 15, 2020, after having been closed for eight years due to economic constraints.

Around 15,000 Filipinos work and live in Sweden as health workers, engineers, mining professionals, administrative staff, and as part of the fashion, culinary, service, and related industries.

Eagle News Service