<p>Thank you, Safiye, for your kind introduction and thank you for being one of the leaders of UNFPA who has always believed in me. Thank you Azza and colleagues, from the countries, regions and headquarters for your tireless work in organizing this meeting and bringing all of us together in this historical city of Istanbul.</p>

<p class="bodytext">Today, on the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, renews its commitment to the advancement of human rights as a central principle for ending poverty.</p>

<p class="bodytext">Today on World Mental Health Day, UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, joins others in calling for “Making Mental Health a Global Priority”. Today, we call for greater integration of mental health and psychosocial support into humanitarian responses and efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).</p>

<p>Today, on the International Day of Older Persons, we celebrate rising life expectancy in many regions of the world as one of humanity’s major achievements.</p>

<p>On International Youth Day, let us recognize the potential of youth in tackling the greatest challenges of our times.</p>

<p class="bodytext">Ladies and Gentlemen,</p> <p class="bodytext">It is an honour for me and UNFPA to be with you for the launch of the <a href="http://ochaonline.un.org/humanitarianappeal/webpage.asp?MenuID=11187&Page=1667">Mid-Year Review of the Consolidated Appeals Process (CAP) for 2008.</a> </p>

<p>Today as we commemorate World Population Day, let us renew our commitment to human dignity and the right to live in freedom from fear and want. Let us accelerate efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals to eliminate extreme poverty and hunger and to improve the health of people and our planet.</p>

<p class="bodytext">Mr. President,</p> <p class="bodytext">Distinguished Delegates,</p> <p class="bodytext">Colleagues and Friends,</p> <p class="bodytext"> </p> <p class="bodytext">It is always a pleasure to address you as members of the Executive Board. It is particularly enjoyable when we meet here for the annual session in this beautiful city of Geneva.</p> <p class="bodytext"> </p> <p class="bodytext">My colleagues and I look forward to our discussions this week, and to working with all of you as Board members throughout the year.</p> <p class="bodytext"> </p> <p class="bodytext">In my statement today, I will report on our work over the past year and update you on new developments, UNFPA’s reorganization, finances and funding.</p> <p class="bodytext"> </p> <p class="bodytext">At the last Board session in January, a delegate thanked me for my 11-page, single-spaced speech. I think he was trying to tell me something. I have given it some thought and believe that part of the United Nations reform should be fewer and shorter speeches. Today, I will do my best to do my part, though I have not succeeded as I intended. There is so much that I want and need to share with you.</p>

<p class="bodytext">Assalamou Alaikoum- Peace be upon you.</p> <p class="bodytext"> </p> <p class="bodytext">Brothers and Sisters,</p> <p class="bodytext"> </p> <p class="bodytext">It is my honour and pleasure to address you tonight.</p> <p class="bodytext"> </p> <p class="bodytext">As people inspired by faith, we know the importance of hope in our lives.</p> <p class="bodytext"> </p> <p class="bodytext">And nowhere is this hope more important than in our response to people affected by HIV and AIDS.</p>

<p class="bodytext">Excellencies,<br/> Honourable Ministers,<br/> Distinguished Delegates,<br/> Colleagues and Friends,</p> <p class="bodytext"> </p> <p class="bodytext">I would like to thank you for coming together to accelerate progress in the fight against AIDS. Accelerated action is urgently needed to achieve our goal of universal access to prevention, treatment, care and support by 2010. Time is of the essence if countries are to reach all, including the poorest and most marginalized, in the next two years. Your presence at this event shows your renewed commitment. I would like to call on you to do three things, which I believe are fundamental to an effective response.</p>

<p>It is my honour to join you in beautiful Yokohama for the Fourth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD IV). I would like to thank the Government of Japan for hosting this historic Conference, TICAD IV, towards a vibrant Africa. Thank you for bringing all of us together to focus on boosting economic growth, ensuring human security and addressing environmental issues on the great African continent.</p>

<p class="bodytext">Around 100 million more people face food shortages this year compared to last year as a result of the recent increase in world food prices. The price increase is due to many factors, including the high price of oil and fuel, the conversion of food grains into biofuels, market speculation on agricultural commodities, droughts and floods in some countries, and increasing consumption.</p>