Mr. President,
Excellencies,
Distinguished Members of the Executive Board,
Esteemed colleagues, dear friends,
It is a pleasure to join you for this annual session of the Executive Board and to present my first annual report as Executive Director. I thank Member States and this Board for your continued support and guidance, which make our work on sexual and reproductive health and rights, population dynamics, gender equality, and data possible.
We meet at a time of profound transformation. Financial pressures, geopolitical tensions, demographic change, artificial intelligence and the climate crisis are reshaping our world. At the same time, progress on reproductive rights and choices remains uneven, with hard-won gains coming under challenge in some settings.
Yet I stand before you with confidence and pride. Not because the challenges are small, but because the commitment of Member States, partners and communities remains strong. Together, we continue to deliver for women, girls and young people where needs are greatest.
2025 was the last year of the Strategic Plan period 2022-2025. UNFPA continued to position its mandate to respond to a changing and complex world by supporting Members States countries to advance health, equality and resilience through accelerated progress towards ending preventable maternal deaths while keeping population and development, and empowerment of women, adolescent and youth at the centre of its work
We know that when women have choices, when young people have opportunities and no one is left behind, a healthy, empowered population fuels growth. Demographic dividends and truly inclusive sustainable development come within reach.
Allow me to share a few highlights of the results we have achieved.
UNFPA remains the world’s largest provider of maternal health medicines and commodity securities to developing countries.
During our last Strategic Plan period, 2022-2025, contraceptives provided by UNFPA averted more than 66 million unintended pregnancies.
UNFPA support helped prevent more than 140,000 maternal deaths and provided obstetric fistula treatment and recovery to over 50,000 women and girls.
In crisis settings, we supported over 8 million safe births.
More than 24 million women and young people with disabilities benefited from sexual and reproductive health and gender-based violence services.
Over 28 million girls received life skills and comprehensive sexuality education through our joint programme with UNICEF to end child marriage. And over 800,000 girls were saved from female genital mutilation (FGM).
On population data, which is the foundation of effective development planning, 70 per cent of the world’s population was counted in the 2020 census round with UNFPA support. Data helps ensure that everyone counts and that decisions respond to their needs and realities.
In recent weeks, I have seen these results firsthand.
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, I joined the launch of the country’s first census in more than 40 years, backed by US$30 million in domestic funding.
In Papua New Guinea, I welcomed a new national strategy on gender-based violence supported by $41 million in annual domestic resources. I also signed a renewed UNFPA Supplies Compact under which the Government will cover roughly half of annual reproductive health commodity costs.
In Fiji, I inaugurated a maternity waiting home that will expand access to care for women in remote communities.
In Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, discussions focused on investing in human capital, maternal and newborn health, youth development and demographic resilience. I was particularly encouraged to meet young people already developing innovative AI-powered solutions.
And at their annual meeting in Congo, I signed a new agreement with the African Development Bank to advance maternal health, demographic resilience, women’s empowerment and human capital development across Africa.
Meeting young people from Australia, Brazil, China, Colombia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Iceland, Japan, Kazakhstan, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda and Uzbekistan just confirmed the central role that UNFPA plays, and how much young people’s well-being, employability, and social integration are embedded into rights and choices that the ICPD Programme of Action adapts to their need as Gen Z and Gen Alpha.
Throughout these engagements, I heard a consistent message: UNFPA is a trusted partner that combines technical expertise with practical solutions tailored to national priorities.
In 2025, the Board approved the third of the three sequential strategic plans for the period 2026-2029. Its operationalization began in January 2026. The annual review at stake here was made in an incredibly difficult and challenging situation and in a context of significant global complexity and accelerating crises, which increased the demand of countries for integrated support on health systems, social protection, adaptation and resilience in response to major demographic changes, climate and natural disasters as well as man-made ones, and wars and conflicts. Despite those challenges and the dramatic cuts of some of our critical funds in the very last year of the programme cycle, UNFPA achieved results of notable scale and impact, which demonstrated the continuing relevance of its integrated mandate and field presence. These results reflect the organization’s unique combination of normative leadership, technical expertise and operational reach across diverse development, humanitarian, and peacebuilding contexts
The population censuses in Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Vietnam and Iraq are major country achievements and outcomes.
Global efforts to reduce maternal mortality, FGM, child marriage and obstetrical fistula continued, and we congratulate Colombia for passing the law for the prevention of, care and eradication of FGM framed under the umbrella of protecting women’s and girls’ rights, health, autonomy and a life free from violence. We are proud to have supported this process.
The new fourth outcome of our Strategic Plan on demographic change and population dynamics reflects growing demand for UNFPA technical support in this area. Whether countries are facing population growth, ageing, low fertility, urbanization or migration, they are increasingly seeking UNFPA’s assistance to navigate these transitions. This is where our expertise in population dynamics and demographic analysis can help countries plan for the future and build resilience.
Mr. President,
UNFPA’s mandate is grounded in the conviction that population dynamics are not problems to be solved, but realities to be understood and addressed through policies that advance sexual and reproductive health and rights, choices and opportunity.
There is no single demographic challenge facing all countries. But there is one common solution: investing in people.
That means ensuring women, within their personal cultural context, can exercise their rights to decide if, when, and with whom to have children; to access the care they need during pregnancy and childbirth; and to live free from violence and harmful practices.
It means empowering young people through education, opportunity and leadership, and enabling older persons to participate fully in society and live with dignity.
This is how we advance rights and choices, strengthen resilience, and support sustainable development across the demographic spectrum.
This is how we enable societies and economies to thrive.
Mr. President, Excellencies,
UNFPA is on the ground before a crisis hits, and we stay long after the headlines fade. In 2025, we responded to crises in 48 countries, reaching nearly 10 million people with sexual and reproductive health services and more than 4 million women and girls with GBV prevention and response. This operational continuity is made possible through flexible, core resources, which provide the backbone for our presence and our rapid crisis response.
From the Middle East to Haiti, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Chad and Afghanistan, UNFPA has provided safe spaces, deployed mobile medical teams and midwives to reach women cut off from care, and ensured survivors of gender-based violence have access to confidential support and referral pathways.
In Afghanistan, more than twelve million people accessed reproductive health and psychosocial support services through UNFPA-supported facilities led by over 2,500 female frontline workers.
In Gaza, UNFPA reached over 200,000 people with sexual and reproductive health services and nearly 160,000 people with gender-based violence services last year.
In response to the Ebola outbreak we are working with government authorities, WHO and the Africa CDC in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, and we continue to provide safe delivery kits, protective equipment and infection prevention support. Our longstanding presence in both countries and the trust we have built with government and communities have enabled us to respond nimbly and effectively.
In every crisis, we stand with those most at risk and work with affected communities to ensure that our programmes respond to their priorities and the needs of all populations, including young people, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups.
Yet we face a stark reality: needs are rising while resources are shrinking.
In 2026, UNFPA estimates that 84 million people will need gender-based violence prevention and response services, and close to eight million pregnant women will require humanitarian assistance. For women in crisis, this is not an abstract funding challenge. It determines whether a skilled birth attendant is present during childbirth, whether a survivor of violence receives support, and whether a girl remains safe and protected.
UNFPA’s 2026 humanitarian appeal seeks $1 billion to reach 34 million women, girls and young people across 43 countries. Yet today, it is only 23 per cent funded.
The challenges extend beyond funding. We are facing a global protection crisis. International humanitarian law is too often violated. Conflict-related sexual violence continues. Attacks on civilians, health facilities, including maternity wards, and humanitarian workers remain deeply alarming.
We must also recognize the extraordinary dedication of local and national partners, who continue to deliver assistance under the most difficult conditions and at great personal risk. The protection of civilians remains a legal and moral obligation for all parties.
Mr. President,
Despite these challenges, our results show what is possible when resources meet resolve. In 2025, 35 per cent of our humanitarian funding went directly to local partners, reflecting our commitment to localization and to the communities they serve.
We are deeply grateful to our donors and partners. We ask Member States to continue providing predictable and flexible funding, to recognize sexual and reproductive health and gender-based violence services as life-saving, and to help close critical funding gaps in priority crises. This is especially important given recent announcements of humanitarian funding for which UNFPA is not eligible.
Mr. President,
Major donor funding cuts of approximately $330 million made 2025 a challenging year for the multilateral system and for UNFPA. Yet thanks to the support of Member States, UN partners and the private sector, UNFPA received more than $1.4 billion in contributions. While below 2024 levels, this exceeded our Strategic Plan target by $60 million and reflects your continued trust in our mandate and results.
Core funding remains essential. It enables our global presence, technical assistance and rapid response where needs are greatest. Yet it continues to decline. We therefore encourage all Member States to consider providing a core contribution, no matter the amount. Beyond its financial value, core funding is a vote of confidence in multilateralism and our shared commitment to leave no one behind.
I thank our steadfast donors, particularly those providing early and multi-year funding. As the aid landscape evolves, UNFPA is expanding innovative financing approaches, helping countries increase domestic investment, strengthening partnerships with international financial institutions, and mobilizing private and philanthropic capital.
Through the UNFPA Supplies Partnership Compacts, countries are moving from donor dependence towards sustainable domestic financing. We use our Supplies Match Fund to provide a direct incentive for increasing domestic expenditure, and last year, partner governments invested a record $68 million of their own national resources in sexual and reproductive health commodities—more than six times the level in 2020.
The impact is clear. In 2025, the Supplies Partnership reached 23 million women, helped prevent 10 million unintended pregnancies, saved the lives of 200,000 mothers and newborns, and according to our estimates, generated more than $750 million in healthcare savings.
Mr. President, Excellencies,
As we respond to today’s challenges, we are also preparing for tomorrow. We are working with governments and partners to strengthen resilience to climate change and investing in innovation to improve maternal health outcomes. Through AI tools, drones, digital technologies and data-driven solutions, we are helping bring quality care to women and girls who have too often been left behind.
Through initiatives such as WomenX, we are working with partners to identify and scale solutions that save lives and expand access to care.
As I noted during the Joint Meeting of the Boards, UNFPA embraces reform. Through our Business Model Review, we are strengthening our ability to deliver effectively across diverse settings and respond to a changing world.
We do so with the full weight of our shared results in mind. Here, I would also like to acknowledge the contributions of my predecessor, Dr. Natalia Kanem. The achievements I’ve outlined today belong as much to you, Member States, as they do to UNFPA. Behind every number is a life changed, a future protected, an opportunity created.
Our mandate touches some of the most sensitive issues in society. It addresses issues that matter deeply to people, families and communities. While consensus is not always easy, I remain convinced that we have far more that unites us than divides us.
My annual report is also a story of adaptation and transformation. Over the past four years, UNFPA strengthened humanitarian response, expanded partnerships, advanced innovation, and modernized key aspects of our operating model. We also navigated last year’s adverse revenue scenario with minimal impact on our workforce. We are proud to have fought hard to keep the maximum of our colleagues and to ensure continuity in our life saving work.
UNFPA remains firmly committed to the highest standards of accountability, transparency and ethical conduct. Our zero-tolerance approach to wrongdoing, including sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment, remains unwavering. Adequately resourcing oversight functions, including audit, investigation, evaluation and ethics, remains a priority.
My senior management team and I welcome the reports of the Office of Audit and Investigation Services, the Oversight Advisory Committee, the Ethics Office and the Independent Evaluation Office. We also welcome the evaluation of UNFPA support to the 2020 census round, which will help strengthen preparations for the 2030 census round and support our work on demographic resilience.
Speaking of our senior leadership, allow me to welcome my new Chief of Staff, Dr. Nigina Muntean, to her first Executive Board session in the role. Nigina has served at all levels of the organization, most recently as Chief of the Innovation and Transformation Branch. She brings an innovative mindset and extensive experience in medicine, public health, and international development, and I look forward to her continued invaluable contributions to the Executive Office and to the organization as a whole. I would also like to welcome Sam Choritz – no stranger to this Board – to his first Executive Board session as Director of the Division for External Relations.
Mr. President, Excellencies,
The world today is very different from the world in which UNFPA was created. Yet the fundamental questions remain the same: How do we help every person realize their potential? How do we build resilient societies in times of change? And how do we leave future generations better prepared than the one we inherited? We know how to. It is our joint responsibility for all future generations, including ourselves. We just need the drive. I am grateful for your unwavering support and leadership to build the future we want. Let’s accelerate the pace towards achieving the SDGs in the best way possible.
Nearly six decades after its creation, UNFPA’s mandate remains as relevant as ever. Countries are increasingly turning to us for support on population dynamics, demographic trends and data for development, in addition to our work on sexual and reproductive health and rights and gender-based violence prevention and response.
At a time of uncertainty and growing pressure on the multilateral system, our work continues to matter.
Our goals are simple, but their impact is profound: every pregnancy wanted, every childbirth safe, every young person’s potential fulfilled, and everyone counted – because everyone counts.
That is our mission, given by you. That is our promise. And with your continued partnership, trust and support, I know we will keep it.
I look forward to our discussion.
