Swedish companies have significant opportunities to engage in global markets through UN procurement. With an annual procurement market of over USD 25 billion, the United Nations requires goods and services across a broad range of areas, including healthcare, IT, logistics, and engineering. Sweden is recognized for its high-quality, reliable, and practical solutions in many of these fields. Participating in this market allows Swedish businesses to grow internationally while supporting the UN’s critical missions.
About the United Nations
The United Nations is an international organization of 193 member states working to:
- Maintain international peace and security
- Protect human rights
- Deliver humanitarian aid
- Promote sustainable development and climate action
- Uphold international law
The UN’s procurement needs are met through various specialized agencies, programs, and funds such as UNICEF, UNDP, and UNHCR, each with distinct mandates and requirements.
Procurement: A pathway for Swedish expertise
Swedish companies are recognized for their ability to provide solutions that align with the UN’s procurement priorities. Engaging in these processes allows businesses to expand their presence in global markets while contributing to international goals such as poverty reduction and sustainability.
The UN’s procurement system is guided by principles of:
- Fairness, transparency, and integrity, ensuring equal opportunities for all suppliers
- Value for money, balancing cost with quality and lifecycle considerations
- Sustainability, incorporating economic, environmental, and social objectives
How Swedish Companies Can Engage
On behalf of the Swedish government, Business Sweden helps Swedish companies identify and seize growth opportunities in DAC countries (low and middle-income countries) where the UN is an active procurement partner. This website provides Swedish businesses with practical guidance on how to become suppliers to the UN.
Is your company ready to explore global opportunities? Start here to learn more.
This platform offers:
- An introduction to UN procurement, helping companies understand the system and its opportunities
- Key agencies and focus areas, detailing specific procurement needs of agencies such as UNICEF, WFP and UNOPS
- Tender opportunities, including access to procurement notices and invitations through the United Nations Global Marketplace (UNGM)
- Step-by-step guidance for registration, bidding, and compliance with UN standards
- Networking and events, including participation in seminars, business forums, and matchmaking opportunities tailored to Swedish companies
- Facilitated connections, helping your company engage with relevant stakeholders through Business Sweden and other organizations
Interested in learning about UN procurement? Visit the "UN Procurement section".