Everyone should take steps to avoid exposure to the Zika virus. Pregnant women and those of childbearing age should take extra care to avoid exposure to mosquito bites, use insecticide-treated mosquito nets and apply insect repellents approved for use in pregnant women.

The world will make history tomorrow by officially launching the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – the new development agenda that promises to lift millions of people from poverty, save and improve the lives of billions, and protect our planet. We at UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, reiterate our full commitment to the achievement of these goals by 2030.

Today, we mark the launch of a year-long campaign for the 50th anniversary of two landmark international treaties. Together, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights have shaped the integral and indivisible nature of the international human rights framework.

One in three women worldwide has experienced physical or sexual violence, most often by an intimate partner. In most countries, fewer than four in 10 survivors of such violence seek help.

UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, notes the important announcement by the Government of China that couples across the country may have two children, thereby moving away from the so-called “one-child policy” that was introduced more than 30 years ago

To lift people out of poverty, countries will need stronger and better social protection systems. But to sustainably eradicate poverty, they will need to create many more jobs.

Today, as we celebrate the International Day of the Girl Child, the world has an unprecedented opportunity to focus on the power of girls to drive progress and transform our world.

Population ageing and urbanization are major global issues of the 21st century. While cities are growing, their share of residents aged 60 years and over is also rising. Rapid urbanization is challenging both national and local governments in developing inclusive and integrated cities. Today, as we observe the International Day of Older Persons, we must ensure that cities respond to the needs of persons of all ages and that older persons are as much a part of urban life as their younger counterparts.

United Nations entities call on States to act urgently to end violence and discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) adults, adolescents and children.

UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, commends world leaders on the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development – a significant achievement in the history of development. The implementation of this forward-looking and universal agenda can lift millions from poverty, save and transform the lives of billions of people, and protect our planet.

Statement by UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin to the Second Regular Session of the Executive Board.