In this year's Christmas speech, King Carl XVI Gustaf emphasizes his belief that it is dialogue and cooperation between countries that pave the way for a brighter future.
He highlights a series of meetings and gatherings that strengthened him in that conviction, including the climate summit in Brazil and the UN's 80th anniversary in New York.
Sweden has good opportunities to contribute and be an example in international cooperation, not least through our commitment to peace, sustainable development and human rights.
Big challenges
And despite a trying time with several major challenges - such as the Ukraine war, climate change and the fragile ceasefire in Gaza - the king has hope for the future.
The perseverance and will of the Ukrainian people to defend their country give us hope that Ukraine's freedom and sovereignty will be respected. Hope is also born from new discoveries, and science is making great progress.
Terrible event
After initially turning his attention to the world, he turns to Sweden and offers his thoughts to the victims and relatives of the shooting at Campus Risbergska in Örebro - where ten people were killed and several injured.
This terrible event will be with us for a long time.
But out of the grief, a community grew, says the King, praising everything from police and healthcare personnel to voluntary organizations and teachers.
People supported each other and showed that humanity is a sustaining force even in difficult times. That force is everywhere in our country. In those moments, there is the warmth and care that the world needs more of.
