Statements and speeches
Speech
Investing in Adolescents: Unlocking Economic Growth through Innovative Financing in Latin America and the Caribbean
02 July 2025
Remarks by UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem at the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development
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Ending sexual violence in conflict: breaking the cycle, healing the scars and building a world of peace
18 June 2025
Statement by UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem on the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict (19 June) In nearly every conflict in every region of the…
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Statement by Dr. Natalia Kanem Executive Director, UNFPA at the Annual Session of the Executive Board of UNDP, UNFPA and UNOPS
03 June 2025
Good morning. Buenos dias. Here’s a video prepared as part of UNFPA’s campaign urging all of us to ‘keep the lights on’ for women and girls in the most desperate humanitarian circumstances.
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UNFPA Statement: Don't Let the Lights Go Out on Women and Girls in Neglected Crises
19 May 2025
In a world marked by protracted conflicts and accelerating climate change, humanitarian needs have soared in recent years, yet, the funding to match them has not. Now the humanitarian sector is…
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Statement in response to the United States decision to deny future funding to UNFPA
09 May 2025
UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, notes with deep regret that the United States of America has announced its intention to deny future funding to the organization by triggering the Kemp-Kasten Amendment.
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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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