Statements & speeches
Statement
Midwives on the front line: Health workers, humanitarians, heroes
01 May 2025
When bombs fall or floods wash away roads and homes, where services are severed and infrastructure has collapsed, midwives are often the first responders and the last line of defence. They often travel across even the most remote and dangerous terrain to ensure essential services that save lives and safeguard health and human rights.
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Statement by UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem on two years of conflict in Sudan
15 April 2025
Two years into the conflict in Sudan, civilians continue to bear the brunt of this crisis.
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Remarks by UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem at the Fourth Session of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent
14 April 2025
It is an honor for me to join you at this esteemed Forum. Since its establishment four years ago, UNFPA has been present at every session, a testament to our unflinching support for the crucial mandate of this Forum.
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Closing remarks by UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem at the 58th session of the Commission on Population and Development
11 April 2025
Last year’s 57th session of this Commission celebrated ICDP30. It drew record participation. This year again, this Commission garnered considerable engagement from Member States, civil society, from advocates for issues that affect older people and young advocates, too – all mobilized by the relevance of the theme: “Ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages”.
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Remarks by Dr. Natalia Kanem, UNFPA Executive Director at the PMNCH High-Level Panel – SRHR as a Catalyst for Social and Economic Rights: Advancing Health, Equity, and Development
09 April 2025
Since 1994 and the Cairo International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), Principle 1 of the Programme of Action affirming that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. This has been underscored in the UN Charter itself.
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We can and must end preventable maternal deaths
07 April 2025
Globally, women’s health during pregnancy and childbirth is better than ever before. This is owing to medical advances, and because more women have control over their reproductive choices and can access respectful, high-quality maternal care.
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Opening Remarks by UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem at the Commission on Population and Development
07 April 2025
Happy World Health Day! What better day to begin our deliberations on ICPD progress and the important theme of health and well-being for all at all ages. Health is the very cornerstone of sustainable development, human dignity and prosperity.
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Remarks by Dr. Natalia Kanem, UNFPA Executive Director at the CPD58 High-Level Side Event: Improving Health and Well-being for Women and Newborns
07 April 2025
We meet at a time when our shared mission of peace, human rights and development is more vital than ever; and where we count on people of goodwill like you for solidarity in forging a brighter future.
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UNFPA calls for peace and humanitarian support in South Sudan
04 April 2025
UNFPA expresses deep concern over the rising political tensions in South Sudan and calls upon all political leaders to prioritize peace, stability, and the well-being of the people in need.
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Statement by UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem on the resumption of attacks on Gaza
19 March 2025
UNFPA is shocked by the resumption of airstrikes across the Gaza Strip. Already a meaningful number of civilians have been killed. UN staff have also been caught up in the violence, with a staff member tragically killed in attacks this morning. As fighting resumes, the number of dead will soar higher.
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Opening Remarks by UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem at the CSW69 Side Event on the Transformative Role of Technology in Advancing Gender Equality and Women’s Development
13 March 2025
As we collectively push to accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it is an honour to join this timely conversation. Here’s the question: How can technology advance gender equality?
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The Future of Family Planning Convening Keynote Address by UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem
13 March 2025
Excellencies, Esteemed partners, Dear friends, Dear young people, I greet you in Peace, the noble purpose of the United Nations and the fervent wish of the women and girls…
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