Statements and speeches
Statement
Statement by Ms. Diene Keita, Executive Director, UNFPA on the impact of the escalating conflict in the Middle East
19 March 2026
The escalating war in the Middle East is shattering the lives of women and children across the region, with pregnant women and new mothers among the most vulnerable and people displaced and cut off from lifesaving health and protection services and supplies.
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UNFPA Statement on Declaration of Level 2 Emergency in the Middle East
17 March 2026
As attacks across the Middle East continue, causing death and destruction and forcing millions from their homes, hundreds of thousands of women and girls are cut off from lifesaving healthcare and protection services. In light of this UNFPA has activated a Level 2 emergency response covering Iraq, Lebanon and Syria to address rapidly growing needs across the region.
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Remarks by Ms. Diene Keita, UNFPA Executive Director at the CSW70 Side Event: Launch of the Core Principles for Meaningful Youth Participation in Intergovernmental Processes and UN Work
16 March 2026
What better time to launch the Core Principles for Meaningful Youth Participation than here at the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women, as we focus on closing the justice gap for all women and girls? Because there can be no justice without meaningful, equitable participation.
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Statement by Diene Keita, Executive Director, UNFPA, on the fourth anniversary of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine
24 February 2026
Four years of relentless bombing, displacement, family separation and economic uncertainty take their toll on women, girls and young people.
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UNFPA Statement on the Escalating Crisis for Women and Girls in South Sudan
14 February 2026
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is deeply alarmed by the escalation of violence in Jonglei State, South Sudan, and the grave impact it is having on women and girls.
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Over four million girls still at risk of female genital mutilation: UN leaders call for sustained commitment and investment to end FGM
06 February 2026
Joint Statement by the UNFPA Executive Director, UNICEF Executive Director, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, UN Women Executive Director, WHO Director-General, and UNESCO Director-General on…
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Statement by Ms. Diene Keita Executive Director, UNFPA at the First Regular Session of the Executive Board of UNDP, UNFPA and UNOPS
04 February 2026
I warmly congratulate you, Ambassador Cornel Feruță, on your election as President of the Executive Board. I look forward to working closely with you and with the Bureau: Ambassadors Brian Wallace of Jamaica, Jonibek Hikmat of Tajikistan, Chola Milambo of Zambia, and Lauri Voionmaa of Finland.
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Statement by Ms. Diene Keita Executive Director, UNFPA at the First Regular Session of the Executive Board Joint segment on UN80
02 February 2026
UNFPA fully supports the Secretary-General’s vision of a more agile, integrated, and effective UN, and, as the Board is aware, we are already implementing reforms aligned with UN80 priorities.
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High-Level Panel Discussion: Honouring the Legacy of Dikembe Mutombo A Call to Action for Africa’s Health, Education, Sports and Quality of Life
16 January 2026
Dikembe Mutombo was known to the world as a legendary athlete – a champion on the basketball court. But for the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and to the women and girls whose lives he touched, he was something greater than that. He was a healer, a bridge, and a man of profound humanity. I had the privilege of knowing Dikembe Mutombo. His remarkable legacy holds a special place in my heart.
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Statement by the Inter-Agency Standing Committee: Revoke planned international NGO ban, humanitarian leaders urge Israeli authorities
31 December 2025
We urge the Israeli authorities to reconsider their plan to ban many of the international NGOs operating in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT).
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Human rights – essential and endangered
10 December 2025
Around the world, we see progress in realizing human rights, including sexual and reproductive health and rights. These rights are foundational to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Yet, progress has been uneven, and in some cases, it is being reversed.
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Making all spaces safe for persons with disabilities
03 December 2025
The full inclusion and safety of people with disabilities is indispensable to creating a more equitable world, free from harm, including in the digital realm.
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