Task Force to Kick Start Cairo Population Goals

UNITED NATIONS--A high-level task force was recently formed to bolster efforts in support of the goals of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) that was held in Cairo in 1994. The landmark conference marked a paradigm shift in the field of population and development, replacing a demographically driven approach to family planning to one based on human rights and the needs, aspirations and circumstances of each woman. In the nearly 20 years since the conference, progress has been made toward reaching the goals of the Programme of Action that emerged from it, but it remains an unfinished agenda.

The high-level task force aims to accelerate progress. Co-chaired by former Presidents Tarja Halonen of Finland and Joaquim Chissano, the task force is comprised of 26 members with rich experience and long service in promoting sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights, including former heads of state, ministers, parliamentarians, civil society leaders, philanthropists and others.

The launch, held at the Ford Foundation on 2 October, was attended by distinguished guests and representatives from ministries, United Nations Missions, the UN System and leaders of civil society. The event was co-hosted by the United Nations Missions of Denmark, Finland and Mozambique, as well as the Ford Foundation. Speakers at the launch included the Co-Chairs, Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Mary of Denmark, Ethiopian Minister of Health Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Ford Foundation President Luis Ubiñas, an Indian youth leader and UNFPA former Executive Director, Dr. Nafis Sadik.