The Swedish initiative and the 1972 Stockholm Conference: the decisive role of science diplomacy in the emergence of global environmental governance

Abstract This article applies a science diplomacy lens to examine Sweden’s 1967–1968 intervention in the United Nations—the so-called “Swedish initiative”—that led seminal 1972 UN Conference on Human Environment. The three classic typologies—science diplomacy, for and diplomacy—are employed structure an analysis of how Swedish diplomats skillfully leveraged diplomatic objectives, first convincing member states need convene major environmental conference under auspices then mobilize scientific research internationally—particularly developing countries—during preparatory process. empirical study, based archival oral histories key participants, also brings light problems human environment were conceived shaped by scientists during this embryonic moment global governance. Through some public pronouncements documents drafted phase initiative, further considers role popular as style communication that is particularly relevant realm diplomacy.