Statements and speeches
Speech
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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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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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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A march forward to gender equality, for everyone
05 March 2025
Investments in the health and rights of women and girls have changed the world, bringing us closer to equal voices and expanded choices than ever before. Women have taken giant strides forward – and are not going back. The march forward for equal rights is unstoppable. It will continue until gender equality reaches all women and girls, everywhere.
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Statement by UNFPA Executive Director on the United States Government funding cuts
28 February 2025
UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, notes with deep regret the termination of all funding agreements by the United States Government.
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UNFPA statement on sexual violence perpetrated against women and girls in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo
21 February 2025
Women and girls are experiencing staggering rates of gender-based violence, including conflict-related sexual violence, in the latest outbreak of fighting that has engulfed the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
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Remarks by UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem to the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW)
17 February 2025
We enter CEDAW deliberations on General Recommendation 41 on Gender Stereotypes at a moment of grave import for the human rights of women and girls and, indeed, their very bodily autonomy. There is powerful pushback against the rights of women, in all their diversities, and particularly their reproductive rights. Across the globe, we discern fierce opposition that threatens decades of progress.
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Strengthening alliances and building movements to end female genital mutilation
06 February 2025
NEW YORK/GENEVA, 6 February 2025 – Female genital mutilation is a violation of human rights that inflicts deep and lifelong physical, emotional, and psychological scars on girls and women. This harmful practice affects more than 230 million girls and women today. An estimated 27 million more girls could endure this violation of their rights and dignity by 2030 if we do not take action now.
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Statement by Dr. Natalia Kanem Executive Director, UNFPA at the First Regular Session of the Executive Board of UNDP, UNFPA and UNOPS
31 January 2025
In vulnerable settings across the globe, UNFPA is on the ground, working with partners, prepositioning supplies and developing anticipatory action plans with governments and civil society so that life-saving resources are at the ready – even before disaster strikes.
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Start with Her: Championing Women's Rights and Choices High-Level Panel on Reproductive, Maternal & Newborn Health & Wellbeing - Remarks by UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem
29 January 2025
Maternal mortality is one of the most avoidable injustices in our societies and one of the most profound inequities of this generation. Childbirth is part of the fundamental rhythm of life. It should be an empowering and affirming experience, a celebration of life's incredible promise.
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