In November of last year, more than 8,300 delegates from 170 countries and territories gathered in Nairobi, Kenya, to affirm support for reproductive health and rights. © UNFPA
The event, the Nairobi Summit on ICPD25, generated over 1,250 concrete commitments by governments, corporations, organizations and individuals. © UNFPA
Together, they pledged to work towards “three zeros” – zero unmet need for family planning, zero preventable maternal deaths, and zero gender-based violence and harmful practices. © UNFPA
Thanks to the summit, we know what needs to be done to realize a world of rights and choices for all. UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem, Kenyan Deputy President William Ruto and Danish Parliamentarian Karen Ellemann at the summit’s close. © UNFPA
But just after the event, the world hit a stumbling block: the COVID-19 pandemic. Globally, sexual and reproductive health services have been disrupted, and gender-based violence has spiked. © UNFPA
But we will not turn back now. On 17 September, a High-Level Commission will convene to keep us on track. Jayathma Wickramanayake, the UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth, is part of the commission. © UNFPA
Like the Nairobi Summit, the commission will be radically inclusive. Martin Karadzhov, an advocate of youth, diversity and inclusion, is seen speaking in Nairobi. He, too, is a member of the High-Level Commission. © UNFPA
Other members include former heads of state, grassroots advocates and everyone between. Michaëlle Jean, former Governor General of Canada, is the commission’s co-chair, along with former president of Tanzania Jakaya Kikwete. © UNFPA
This group will report on the status of the commitments and offer a bold vision for moving ahead. On the right, commission member Mary-Ann Etiebet, of MSD for Mothers, speaks at the Nairobi Summit. © UNFPA
“We continue to forge ahead, to back up words with deeds and action on the ground,” said Dr. Kanem ahead of the commission. “The new High-Level Commission will help all of us who made commitments in Nairobi keep those promises.” © UNFPA
We use cookies and other identifiers to help improve your online experience. By using our website you agree to this. To learn more, including how to change your settings, see our cookies policy.
