<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>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>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>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>

<p>"Today I will talk about expanding engagement and partnership at the community level in service delivery of sexual and reproductive health programmes by Faith-Based Organizations," UNFPA's Executive Director told an international group of experts gathered in Oslo.</p>

<p>ADDIS ABABA - "We meet as we commemorate the 15th anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development. We are gathered here to advance the visionary and holistic ICPD Programme of Action, which recognized the diversity the 179 governments participating in the conference, taking into consideration the diverse cultural values and religious beliefs that are not against human rights," said UNFPA's Executive Director.</p>

<p>"We are here for one reason and one reason only: to accelerate action to improve maternal health and end the needless death and suffering of women," UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya Ahmed Obaid told a gathering of high-level officials meeting in Addis Ababa.</p>

<p>This year, as we mark the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, an unprecedented financial and economic crisis continues to spread around the globe.</p>

<p>UNITED NATIONS — Fifteen years ago, at the International Conference on Population and Development, 179 governments ignited a spark of change that continues to improve the lives of people, UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya Ahmed Obaid told the UN General Assembly at the commemoration today.</p>

<p>The demographic challenges facing our world today are unprecedented and demand a policy response, UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya Ahmed Obaid told a gathering of more than 2,000 leading demographers in Marrakesh, Morocco. </p> <p> </p>

<p>Ten years after the first celebration of the International Day of Older Persons, there are more older people in the world than ever before, UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya Ahmed Obaid noted in her statement for the International Day of Older Persons, which is commemorated on October 1.</p>