Statements and speeches
Statement
The Nightmare of the Chibok Girls, Other Abductees, Must End, Urges UNFPA
14 April 2015
On the anniversary of the abduction of the Chibok Girls from their secondary school in north-eastern Nigeria, Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, Executive Director of UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, reiterated his call for the immediate and unconditional release of the 219 girls still missing, as well all other persons held against their will.
Learn moreSpeech
48th session of the Commission on Population and Development
13 April 2015
Last year was a landmark for the ICPD, a time of reflection, of celebration, of reaffirmation and of firm resolve to do better. This Commission and world leaders at the Special Session in September affirmed the mandate of the ICPD Programme of Action and the actions for its follow up beyond 2014.
Learn moreStatement
Message on the occasion of International Women’s Day: Beijing at 20
08 March 2015
During the past 20 years, we have witnessed remarkable advances in promoting the human rights and dignity of women and girls and their full and equal participation in society. The International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in Cairo, and the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing bolstered progress for women's rights to make their own choices about their bodies and their futures.
Learn moreStatement
Joint Statement on International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
06 February 2015
Female genital mutilation (FGM) violates the human rights and undermines the health and well-being of some 3 million girls each year. More than 130 million girls and women in the 29 countries in Africa and the Middle East where the practice is concentrated today have undergone some form of FGM – and the impact on their lives is enormous.
Learn moreSpeech
Statement of the Executive Director at the First Regular Session of the Executive Board 2015
28 January 2015
Remarks as prepared for delivery addressing First Regular Session of the Executive Board of UNDP, UNFPA and UNOPS
Learn moreStatement
Message of the Executive Director on the Occasion of the International Human Rights Day
10 December 2014
Today on International Human Rights Day, I applaud human rights defenders across the globe and everyone who participated in the 16 days of activism to end violence against women. Together, we must stand up for human rights and human dignity for every one every day. This is a global goal worthy in itself and critical for the advance of peace, justice and sustainable development.
Learn moreStatement
Universal Human Rights and Access - Key to Ending AIDS
28 November 2014
Today, on World AIDS Day, I join every person around the world who believes the next generation should be free of HIV and AIDS. More than 30 years into the epidemic, we have moved beyond the early devastation wreaked by AIDS and scored many successes. Now, we need to do more. We must close the gap by 2030, so that every person has access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support services and no person is left behind.
Learn moreStatement
Message of UNFPA Executive Director for International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women
24 November 2014
As we commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, let us mobilize for the 16 days of activism from now until Human Rights Day on 10 December. Join the global effort to “Orange YOUR Neighbourhood” as part of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Campaign UNiTE to End Violence against Women.
Learn moreSpeech
Statement of the Executive Director on The State of World Population 2014 report
18 November 2014
CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY Welcome to the launch of The State of World Population 2014, “The Power of 1.8 Billion: Adolescents, Youth and the Transformation of the Future.”
Learn moreStatement
Joint Statement on the tragic deaths and injuries sustained by women undergoing surgical contraception in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh
12 November 2014
Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, Executive Director of UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, and Tewodros Melesse, Director-General of the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), today…
Learn moreStatement
UNFPA welcomes news of agreement on Chibok girls’ release
19 October 2014
Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, Executive Director of UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, welcomes news of a ceasefire agreement that is expected to lead to the release of the more than 200 girls…
Learn moreStatement
UNFPA statement on the Nobel Peace Prize announcement
10 October 2014
UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, warmly welcomes the award of the Nobel Peace Prize to Malala Yousafzai, which acknowledges Malala’s struggle to promote the rights of young girls,…
Learn more