<p>When we talk about culture, we acknowledge that for the majority of the world’s people, faith—in its varied and heterogeneous forms—constitutes an important part of cultures. We also know that there is much in the basic tenets of all religions that bring people together rather than keep them apart.</p>

<p>As we commemorate World Population Day, the global financial and economic crisis threatens to reverse hard-won gains in education and health in developing countries. Among those hardest hit are women and girls. This is why the theme of this year’s World Population Day focuses on investing in women.</p>

<p>In the midst of the worst global economic crisis in generations, we must find the most effective ways to continue progress towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals. There is no better path than the focus of this year’s World Population Day: investing in women and girls.</p>

<p>Today, as we commemorate World Population Day, the global financial and economic crisis threatens to reverse hard-won gains in education and health in developing countries. Among those hardest hit are women and girls. This is why the theme of this year’s World Population Day focuses on investing in women.</p>

<p>It has been a long while since I visited the World Bank so it is wonderful to be with you and with many friends here. I thank you all for coming.</p>

<p>Together, we are called to move forward as we face uncertain times and tremendous challenges, UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya A. Obaid told the Executive Board at the 2009 Annual Session. "We are called to align our values, commitments and resources to build a sustainable future and reach common ground for action," she said.</p>

The presence of a midwife at birth can mean the difference between life and death. <p> <span>Having a skilled professional at birth protects the life of the mother and the child by recognizing problems early, when the situation can still be controlled, and by intervening quickly.</span> </p>

<p>The Commission on Population and Development reaffirmed the centrality of the ICPD Programme of Action and Key Actions to the achievement of internationally agreed development goals, according to the closing statement by Thoraya Ahmed Obaid.</p>

<p>As we meet, the world is seized with crisis. In a few days, leaders of the G-20 countries, representing <span>80 per cent of the world’s output, will meet in London. They will meet against the backdrop of the worst international economic crisis in generations. Countries worldwide are gripped with recession, marked by falling trade, reduced income, and rising unemployment. There is growing concern that the financial crisis will fuel political instability that will also spill across borders.</span> </p>

<p>Today, on World Health Day, UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, joins the World Health Organization in drawing attention to the safety of health facilities and the readiness of health workers to treat people in emergencies.<br/>  </p>

<p>Following the announcement by the US Department of State, on 24 March 2009, that it will contribute about $50 million to UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, in 2009, Ms. Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, UNFPA Executive Director, issued a statement.</p>

<p> <span>On International Women’s Day, the Executive Director called for an end to violence against women and girls, w<span>hether it is human trafficking, domestic violence, crimes committed in the name of honour or passion, child marriage, female genital mutilation/cutting, or sexual violence.</span> </span> </p>