Women have a right to make their own decisions about whether, when and how often to become pregnant. That right was reaffirmed in 1994 in Cairo at the landmark International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), where 179 governments agreed that sexual and reproductive health is the foundation for sustainable development

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is the world’s blueprint for a better future for all on a healthy planet.  On World Population Day, we recognize that this mission is closely interrelated with demographic trends including population growth, ageing, migration and urbanization. 

Statement by UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem at the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of UNFPA and ICPD25 on the eve of the 12th Extraordinary Session of the African Union on the African Continental Free Trade Area in Niamey, Niger.

WHO, UNAIDS and UNFPA welcome the results  of a large clinical research study known as the Evidence for Contraceptive Options and HIV Outcomes (ECHO) study that was conducted in four African countries and published in the Lancet today. The study compared the risk of HIV acquisition among women randomized to three highly-effective reversible contraceptive methods.

Statement of UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem to the Annual Session of the Executive Board of UNDP, UNFPA and UNOPS 2019.

We, the Heads of UNICEF, UN WOMEN, UNDP and UNFPA, representing over 37,000 UN staff members under the United Nations Common System, are committed to strong gender-responsive, family-friendly policies for all United Nations staff.

Human rights are inherent to all human beings, and every person, without distinction, is entitled to a life free from violence, persecution, discrimination and stigma.

Shame, isolation and segregation are among the indignities faced by the hundreds of thousands of women and girls worldwide who suffer from obstetric fistula, an injury of the birth canal after prolonged and obstructed labour.

Midwives are public health heroes, ensuring that a woman can have a healthy pregnancy, safe childbirth and essential care for her newborn – among the most basic human rights.

Remarks by UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem at the closing session of the 52nd Session of the Commission on Population and Development.

Opening remarks of UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem at the 52nd session of the Commission on Population and Development

UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, is deeply saddened and horrified by the senseless killing of worshipers at two mosques in the city of Christchurch in New Zealand.