Young people are leading the way on global concerns from climate change to gender equality, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic. They have the right to make choices about their bodies and lives.
Yet it’s true that they cannot always realize their rights. UNFPA pledges to do everything we can to act with young people on the challenges they face. We stand with them in their fight to claim the world they imagine - and deserve.
To celebrate Nelson Mandela International Day, the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Patricia Scotland, invited UNFPA Executive Director, Natalia Kanem for a Fireside chat. During the conversation, the two leaders discussed the significance of celebrating the day, their personal experiences and the challenges and successes they faced to get to where they are now.
The COVID19 pandemic has compromised health care systems particularly in the area of sexual and reproductive health. As the international community observes World Population Day (11 July), UNFPA advises against reactionary policy responses, which can be extremely harmful if they violate rights, health and choices.