Press Release
UNFPA Welcomes Swiss United Nations Membership
12 September 2002
UNITED NATIONS, New York - The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) warmly welcomes Tuesday's admission of Switzerland as the 190th Member State of the United Nations. It congratulates the Swiss Government and people on their membership in the United Nations family.
An historic supporter of the ideals, objectives and work of the United Nations and its agencies, funds and programmes, including UNFPA, Switzerland has championed the causes of peace, human rights, sustainable development, reproductive health and rights, empowerment of women and the protection of the environment.
Over the years, UNFPA has gained significantly from its cooperation with Switzerland, which had been contributing to United Nations work in population and development as an Observer State in the Organization. Indeed, for most of the past 10 years, Switzerland has been among the 10 most generous donors to UNFPA's regular resources, contributing nearly $120 million since the Fund's inception. In addition to those resources, Switzerland contributes to a trust fund to ensure safe motherhood in Niger, Rwanda and Viet Nam. It has also supported UNFPA assistance for a census in the West African nation of Benin.
In addition, Swiss scientist, aeronaut and UNFPA Goodwill Ambassador, Bertrand Piccard, helps raise awareness about developing countries' needs in population, reproductive health and development. Mr. Piccard rose to international prominence with his success in completing the first round-the-world balloon trip, in 1999.
My colleagues at UNFPA and I look forward to continued close work with the Government and people of Switzerland in their nation's new capacity as a Member State of the United Nations, the world's most universal organization, which is needed more today than ever. I am confident that Switzerland's membership will strengthen United Nations capacity to overcome challenges of the new millennium, such as extreme poverty, maternal mortality and morbidity, HIV/AIDS, lack of reproductive health and rights, and threats to our common home, the Earth. UNFPA's commitment to partnerships to address these concerns will never flag.
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UNFPA is the world's largest multilateral source of population assistance, with programmes in over 140 countries. Since it became operational in 1969, the Fund has provided some $5.6 billion to developing countries to meet reproductive health needs and support sustainable development.
Contact Information:
Abubakar Dungus
Tel.: +1 (212) 297-5031
Email: dungus@unfpa.org
