We had the pleasure of speaking with Åsa Widell, the National Director of Sweden for UNHCR, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. With a career that spans across journalism and leadership roles in Sweden's media sector, Åsa brings a wealth of experience to her current role, where she is dedicated to improving the lives of people who have been forced to flee their homes. From her early days as a reporter to holding senior positions like Managing Editor and CEO, Åsa has always been driven by a deep commitment to making a positive impact. In this interview, we’ll explore her journey from the newsroom to humanitarian work, her vision for refugee support, and how her background in journalism informs her leadership at UNHCR.
Can you explain who you are, and what has brought you to the position you have today?
My name is Åsa Widell and I am the National Director of Sweden for UNHCR. I am a journalist and I have spent my entire previous career in the Swedish media sector, both newspapers and TV. I started as a writing reporter and have since held various leading positions such as Managing Editor and CEO. Most journalists probably have an ambition to contribute to building a slightly better world and in my current role in Sweden for UNHCR I really get the chance to ”hands on” improve the lives of people forced to flee.
Can you explain UNHCR and what UNHCR does to make a difference?
UNHCR (The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) has the mandate to protect and support refugees, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless individuals globally. We work with both short-term and long-term solutions. War, natural disasters or other emergencies are examples of short-term interventions, where UNHCR rapidly deploys resources and personnel to conflict or disaster zones. Long-term solutions aim to give displaced people a secure future, by helping with a wide range of activities, such as advocacy- and integration related problems. UNHCR’s mandate means we stay with all refugees for as long as they remain refugees. The average time is now 20 years.
How important are donations, and what are some examples of the difference they make?
All donations are deeply appreciated and well needed. Funding is a challenge; UNHCR is one of few UN agencies which depends almost entirely on voluntary contributions to fund operations. Only 1 per cent of UNHCR's annual budget is covered by the UN regular budget. The rest is raised every year from governments and from the private sector. At the end of the year usually about half of the budget needs have been covered, but UNHCR still has to carry out our mandate to protect all refugees until they are no longer refugees. Obviously with such a massive underfunding every penny counts!
We see great potential in the private sector and value initiatives for funding through partnerships. Currently – on a global scale - there are more people forced to flee than ever before. The needs are great, and the tasks for UNHCR are challenging – but we will not and can not leave those in need to fend for themselves.
Donations make great difference in so many ways. Thanks to the support of donors, the UNHCR is able to maintain a high level of readiness for sudden emergencies. In 72 hours we can deliver emergency aid to 1 million people no matter how far away. But UNHCR’s work is more than that; donations give forcibly displaced people access to emergency shelter, water and psychosocial help. It helps build schools, shelters for abused women, legal advice, family reunification when family members have lost touch with each other in an emergency, warm blankets for cold nights.
What do you think about the partnership with EOE Eyewear?
I am excited about the partnership with EOE Eyewear. We always welcome innovative ideas from the private sector – and I am looking forward to seeing this partnership at work. EOE Eyewear is an attractive and sustainable brand and we aim for a fruitful partnership that will help create hope and assistance for those forced to flee around the world. I love the symbolic part where you and your brand will help customers see important aspects of the world – a true eye opener.
