New Zealand Increases its Support to UNFPA

UNITED NATIONS, New York — The Government of New Zealand has decided to increase its contribution to UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, by NZ$1 million for 2005. The additional amount, which would boost the country’s contribution for this year to a total of NZ$4 million, was announced during a recent visit by UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya Ahmed Obaid to Wellington.

Ms. Obaid welcomed the decision by saying that the additional funds from New Zealand "would be translated into more women around the world surviving pregnancy and childbirth, and more families enjoying the basic health needs they deserve." The decision, she added, "is also another reaffirmation of New Zealand's commitment to confront the challenges of population and reproductive health, both in the Pacific and around the world."

In announcing the funding increase, Marian Hobbs, New Zealand's Associate Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, highlighted UNFPA’s work by saying: "Mothers dying, the spread of HIV/AID, teenage pregnancy and domestic violence are just a few of the issues UNFPA is charged with addressing. Quite simply, these are some of the most significant challenges developing countries face."

"For a niche donor like New Zealand to make a difference," Ms. Hobbs added,"it is important to work with reputable effective organizations, and UNFPA certainly fits the bill."

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UNFPA is the world’s largest multilateral source of population assistance. Making motherhood safer for all women is at the heart of the Fund’s mandate.

Contact Information:

Abubakar Dungus
Tel.: +1 (212) 297-5031
Email: dungus@unfpa.org

Omar Gharzeddine
Tel.: +1 (212) 297-5028
Email: gharzeddine@unfpa.org