Statements and speeches
Speech
Investing in People and Equity to Build a World of Opportunity for All
08 February 2012
<p>"<span>We at UNFPA continue to emphasize that people and the principle of equity must be kept at the centre of sustainable development. It means recognizing the need to invest in women and young people and promoting human rights. It means increasing equity to build a world of opportunity for all," UNFPA Executive Director, Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, at CDU/CSU Conference on sustainable development in Berlin.<br/> </span> </p>
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Renewing Commitment to End Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting
06 February 2012
<p>"On the International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting, I call on the global community to join us in this critical effort. Together, we can end FGM/C in one generation and help millions of girls and women to live healthier, fuller lives, and reach their potential," states UNFPA Executive Director, Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, in his message on 6 February 2012.</p>
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UNFPA and Emerging Development Agenda
01 February 2012
<p> </p> <p> <span>"UNFPA’s main focus in 2012 is on implementing the revised Strategic Plan and ensuring that we consistently deliver high-impact country programmes with sharp focus, renewed energy and increased efficiency and relevance," stated UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin at the UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS Executive Board First Regular Session 2012.<br/> </span> </p>
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UNFPA Chief Speaks About HIV, Maternal Health and Leadership
09 December 2011
Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, Executive Director of UNFPA, recently discussed with Forbes magazine such important population trends as low fertility in some developed countries, managing migration and increasing aging populations, rising urbanization and inequities, violence against women and the exclusion of indigenous people.
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Working Together to End AIDS
01 December 2011
<p>"The opportunity to improve health for everyone lies in strengthening integrated services. A key strategy to accelerate progress is forging and cultivating partnerships between the sexual and reproductive health and HIV communities, including networks of people living with HIV," stated UNFPA Executive, Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, on 2011 World AIDS Day.</p>
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Promoting Greater Support for Voluntary Family Planning
29 November 2011
<p>"Voluntary family planning allows women and couples to determine the number, timing, and spacing of their children. It is – and has to be - an essential part of integrated reproductive and maternal health programs, because wanted pregnancies are healthier pregnancies," stated UNFPA Executive Director, Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin at the 2011 International Conference on Family Planning in Dakar, Senegal.</p>
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Calling for Stronger Action to Eliminate Violence Against Women
25 November 2011
<p> </p> <p>"We continue to believe that when women are healthy and educated, and can live free from violence and discrimination, they can participate fully in society and accelerate progress on all fronts," says UNFPA Executive Director, Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.</p>
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The World is Home to 7 Billion People, But How Far Have We Come?
02 November 2011
This commentary by UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin was published by the Guardian on the day that world population is estimated to have passed the 7 billion milestone.
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Helping Families in the Horn of Africa to Make Better Choices
21 October 2011
In this commentary, written for the BMJ Blog, UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin explores the tradition of large families in the Horn of Africa and related challenges.
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Be Prepared for a World of 7 Billion
20 October 2011
This op-ed by UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin, urging the world to heed important demographic trends, appeared in the 18 October issue of the Financial Times.
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Older Persons in a World of 7 Billion
01 October 2011
<p>"Population aging presents societies with new challenges but also great opportunities. Healthy older workers represent a growing reservoir of unrealized human capital. With the right support the elderly can continue to make vital contributions to their families, communities and nations," states UNFPA Executive Director in his message on the International Day of Older Persons.</p>
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Is There Enough Investment in Young People?
19 September 2011
In this piece, published in the Comment section of the Lancet.com, UNFPA's Executive Director argues for greater investment in the health and education of young people, who now number some 1.8 billion, and comprise a powerful force for development.
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