PARTNERSHIPS AND FUND-RAISING

Partnerships provide the most important form of support in meeting common goals. UNFPA has created a strong and diverse network of partners over the years among governments, NGOs, UN agencies, the private sector and individuals.

Alliances and coalitions from the global to the local level represent the best hope of tackling challenges related to poverty, exclusion and ill-health— challenges like maternal mortality, which the world has identified as a top priority.

Networks and partnerships of many kinds have evolved since the International Conference on Population and Development, giving us the strength in numbers required to meet our goals. Outstanding commitment to reproductive health was demonstrated in 2001 when the United Nations Foundation provided almost $10 million for UNFPA projects and other donors gave an additional $3.8 million for those projects.

Governments

The Government of the Netherlands was the number one donor to UNFPA in 2001, contributing nearly $75 million. The number of donors reached 120 countries in 2001—nearly doubling in three years from 69 countries in 1999. This increase was made up almost entirely of programme countries.

More than ever, countries served by UNFPA are showing support for reproductive health by pledging contributions.

Strong partnerships with NGOs multiply the impact of our mission. Local groups implement UNFPA-supported projects at the community level and international partners raise funds and increase awareness about reproductive health issues at the global level.

With the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), UNFPA is supporting the development of NGOs working with young people in Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

UNFPA and Rotary International signed a memorandum of cooperation in June 2001 to work together on population and reproductive health issues.

Progress continued in the European Commission/UNFPA Initiative for Reproductive Health in Asia, including the launch of a new database on the information, education and communication activities produced in the initiative’s projects in seven countries. In April, UNFPA launched Improving the Quality of Sexual and Reproductive Health Care, a multi-year initiative with funding of more than $3 million from the United Nations Foundation.

The initiative is in cooperation with the International Labour Organization (ILO), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), World Health Organi- zation (WHO) and global-level partners including the Population Council, EngenderHealth, Marie Stopes International, Association Internationale de la Mutualité, IPPF and PHRplus. Local NGOs and women’s associations will become partners during the country-level planning process.