Nairobi November 12, 2019 – President Uhuru Kenyatta opened the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD25) with an assurance that Kenya will implement the summit Programme of action to promote reproductive health and gender equality.
The President said advancing people’s rights especially women’s rights is the path to prosperous and resilient society.
“Women are the backbone of the family and bedrock of the nation. They are the gatekeepers to family Health and thus when we empower women, we empower our family, society, nation and the world, the President said.
He said Kenya will endeavor to eliminate Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), teenage pregnancy, child marriages, gender based violence and promote human rights for young people to access sexual education.
“Let us realize potential for those who are not here with us,” he said and pledged to increase access to education for both boys and girls.
He also urged the countries to strengthen partnerships in the implementation of the ICPD25
Framework.
“To complete the Cairo agenda we must require partnerships,” he noted.
The Executive Director of UNFPA Natalia Kanem emphasized that the journey for full equality for women and girls began in Cairo 25 years ago adding that reproductive rights are not negotiable.
“Reproductive rights are human rights and we will not back down. Zero is the only acceptable target ,” she posed.
The Prince of Denmark Her Highness Mary Crown said ICPD25 is a turning moment to meet people’s needs.
“Empowering women is key to improving life for all,” he said.
Also in attendance was Melinda Gates who emphasized that ICPD has put women at the centre but now it’s time to listen to girls and boys at this agenda.
The ICPD25 summit is co-hosted by the United Nations, UNFPA and Denmark.
