<p>We are gathered at this session to discuss health, morbidity, mortality and development. Today, people are living longer than ever before and this is surely one of humanity’s greatest achievements</p>

<p>At a Summit of Religious Leaders  in the Netherlands , UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya Obaid summed up the discussions on religious leadership in response to AIDS and the way forward.</p>

<p>It is always a pleasure to address the Commission on the Status of Women. This is one of the most dynamic bodies in the UN system thanks to the strong voices and participation of leaders from both government and civil society. It is especially thrilling to be here with you to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and to discuss how we can make greater progress for girls and women.</p> <p> </p>

<p>NEW YORK — On 16 February, UNFPA Executive Director welcomed NGO representatives to a consultative meeting and called for unity and focus in moving the outcomes of the ICPD/15 review forward to register greater progress in advancing the ICPD Programme of Action and achieving universal access to reproductive health and the Millennium Development Goals.<br/>  </p>

<p>Progress has been made in recent years in reducing the incidence of female genital mutilation or cutting (FGM/C), largely because communities and families are taking action and calling for change.</p>

<p>Normally I begin the first regular session by wishing all of you a Happy New Year. But this year, while I wish you all the best, I would like to begin by extending solidarity, compassion and sympathy to the Government and people of Haiti and others who are suffering from the devastating earthquake. Upon returning from Haiti, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed his great admiration for the resilience of the Haitian people in the midst of this catastrophe.</p>

<p>I accept this Louis B. Sohn Award with a deep sense of gratitude, humility and responsibility. I am deeply honoured to be selected as the first United Nations official to receive this prestigious honour.</p>

<p>Last week I attended the commemorations at UN headquarters for the International Day of Elimination of Violence against Women. At the commemoration, Secretary-General BAN Ki-moon launched a Network of Men Leaders, as part of his campaign “UNiTE to End Violence against Women”.</p>

<p>We can accomplish so much more when we join hands and work together, respecting each other’s mandate and reaching common ground. UNFPA’s <i>State of Population Report</i> for 2008 was about reaching common ground among the very actors who are the heart of this conference.</p>

<p>I will make a few remarks on the topic “Where next for Family Planning?” the title of a recent Lancet article by Davidson R. Gwatkin of the Results for Development Institute, Washington, D.C.</p>

<p>Today on World AIDS Day we extend solidarity to all people who are living with HIV and AIDS so they can live free of stigma and discrimination. And we remember and pay tribute to those who have lost their lives to AIDS. Today, we call for universal access to prevention, treatment, care and support, and respect for human rights for all.</p>

<p>Every day, women and girls are subject to domestic violence, exploitation, sexual violence, trafficking, honour crimes, harmful traditional practices, such as bride burning and early marriages, and other forms of violence against their bodies, minds and human dignity.</p>