<p class="bodytext">We meet in Europe at a pivotal moment. Europe is both a continent of great diversity and a continent engaged in unprecedented integration and unification.</p>

<p>World AIDS Day offers an occasion for communities and decision makers to examine progress made in countering the worst health crisis in modern history.</p>

<p>Today, let us welcome the progress that has been made to reduce violence against women and girls, and question why more progress has not been achieved. Women and girls should be safe in their homes, on the streets, in the workplace and in school. Yet far too many live in fear. Countless others have paid with their lives. In conflict zones, gender-based violence has reached truly alarming levels.</p>

<p>UNFPA is honoured to take part in this important conference. We are particularly pleased to be joined by our partners: the International Planned Parenthood Federation, the World Bank, and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. We are also thrilled that young people are participating in this conference.</p>

<p>As ombudsmen, you play a vital role in monitoring and safeguarding human rights. You play an important role in advocating for the rights of citizens in the countries that you represent. The network that you have created allows you to learn from each other and to move forward with wisdom and strength. The job of ombudsman is difficult, but the oversight you provide benefits all.</p>

<p>The world is now facing unprecedented demographic changes. The greying of the planet is bringing forth new challenges that must be addressed. The largest youth generation in history can be a dynamic force for progress if their needs for education, health and employment are met. Another challenge is rapid urbanization. Just 30 years ago, the urban population of the developing world was 26 per cent of the total population. Today, 40 per cent of people in less developed regions are urban dwellers.</p>

<p>This year's report focuses on the need for greater investments to protect the human rights and well-being of young people. This includes greater investments in education, and in health, including sexual and reproductive health.</p>

<p>Total income to UNFPA in 2002 was $373.1 million, down over $23 million, from $396.4 million in 2001. It comprised regular resources of $260.1 million and other resources of $113 million. The decrease in regular resources of $8.5 million would have been greater if donor governments had not increased contributions following the loss of the United States’ contribution, and if the exchange rate vis-a-vis the US dollar was favourable. In this regard, I wish to thank you for your tremendous support and I thank all the programme countries that also contributed as a demonstration of commitment and a reaffirmation of support to UNFPA.</p>

<p>Today, on World Population Day, let us focus on the rights and needs of young people. There are more young people today than ever before and they deserve recognition and support. Half of the 6.3 billion people sharing our planet are under the age of 25. Over one billion are between the ages of 10 and 19--the largest youth generation in human history.</p>

<p>I will not be speaking about trade, tariffs, and agricultural subsidies. I will change the focus of our dialogue on people and rural women, in particular. This is a population group that is often forgotten and whose rights are rarely remembered, though it is critical to food security and rural development. The Secretary-General mentioned rural women as a priority in his opening remarks this morning. And I am taking his message forward. By raising this issue, I may be a lonely voice in this dialogue but, certainly, it is a message that must be delivered.</p>

<p>I would like to thank the Inter-European Parliamentary Forum on Population and Development and its President, the Honourable Marjatta Vehkaoja, for organizing this meeting. I would also like to thank our Portuguese hosts for their warmth and hospitality. Special gratitude goes to the Honourable Martins de Cruz, Minister of Foreign Affairs; the Honourable José Cesário, Secretary of State; and the Honourable Joao Bosco da Mota Amaral, President of the Portuguese National Assembly. Last but not least, I thank all of you for attending this important meeting.</p>

<p>Tonight, as you graduate from the Columbia University School of Nursing, you too are honoured with education. You are honoured to have attended a prestigious institution, which is a leader in its field and you are honoured and blessed by the very specialization which you have chosen and the very visionary approach you have adopted. As graduates, you are more than advanced practice nurses. You are leaders, and agents of change.</p>