<p>The Stories of Midwives that UNFPA and White Ribbon Alliance have gathered give us a snapshot of the critical work that midwives do all over the world.</p>

<p>As midwives, you bring care to mothers and families. You are central to a strong health workforce and health system.</p>

<p>Today we are launching the <i>State of the World’s Midwifery 2011</i>, the first report of its kind since 1976. The report is based on surveys in 58 developing countries which together account for 91 per cent of the world’s maternal deaths.<br/>  </p>

<p>"We need to fully engage young people in the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of HIV prevention programmes," stated UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin at high-level meeting on AIDS side-event on young people's role in HIV response.</p>

<p>In his second speech to the Executive Board, Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin outlined his preliminary vision for moving UNFPA forward.</p>

"To harness opportunities for development, the voices of young migrants must be heard so that policies and programmes can be developed to maximize the benefits of migration for those who migrate and for their countries of origin and destination," stated Ms. Purnima Mane, UNFPA Deputy Executive Director (Programme), at Global Migration Group (GMG) Symposium in New York.

<p>"<span>Everyone understands in their heart that human rights violations of a young girl are a tragedy. What is not fully understood is that investing in young people, especially adolescent girls, and promoting their rights can have a tremendous positive effect on the development of their communities and nations," stated UNFPA Deputy Executive Director Mari Simonen at G8/20 Global Parliamentarians Summit on Girls and Population in Paris.</span> </p>

"Evidence shows that investing in young people, reproductive health and gender equality can speed up economic growth and improve countries’ prospects for sustainable development," stated Ms. Safiye Cagar, Director of UNFPA Information and External Relations Division on behlaf of UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin at the IV LDC Conference in Istanbul.

The current global shortage of some 350,000 professional midwives means that women and their newborns die from complications that could have been easily prevented by a health worker with the right skills, the right equipment and the right support. Midwives are the unsung heroes of maternal and newborn health", states UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin on the International Day of the Midwife.

"Girls are the unexpected solution to many of the world’s most pressing problems, provided that we invest in them and promote their rights," stated UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin at Commission on Population and Development side-event titled 'Putting Girls First'.

<p>"As our population approaches 7 billion, every person particularly adolescents and young people should be able to enjoy human rights and human dignity. Every person should have the opportunity to make the most of his or her potential," stated UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin at the 44th session of the United Nations Commission on  Population and Development.</p>

"It is not only right to invest in family planning - it is also sound economics. Investing in family planning as part of comprehensive sexual and reproductive health package is one of the most cost-effective health interventions. It actually saves money from other health and public expenses," stated Ms. Purnima Mane, UNFPA Deputy Executive Director (Programme), at Commission on Population and Development side-event “Family Planning: Key to Saving Lives”.