U.N. News: ‘Unlock opportunities’ and pave the way for sustainable development, U.N. chief urges on World Population Day
“As the number of people on the planet continues to rise, U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres marked World Population Day by highlighting the close link between the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and demographic trends — urging everyone to ‘unlock opportunities for those left behind and help pave the way for sustainable, equitable, and inclusive development for all.’ … ‘This year’s World Population Day calls for global attention to the unfinished business of the Cairo ICPD Conference,’ he maintained. … ‘I encourage Member States to participate at the highest levels and to make firm political and financial commitments to realize the Programme of Action of the ICPD’ and ‘carrying forward’ its vision, the secretary general concluded. Based on the agreement between 179 governments affirming that sexual and reproductive health is the foundation for sustainable development, the 1994 ICPD determined that women have a right to make their own decisions about pregnancy…” (7/11).