Kanem reinforces the importance of universal access to sexual and reproductive healthcare services as part of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

NEW YORK – Dr. Natalia Kanem, the executive director of the United Nations Populations Fund (UNFPA), met with the 2022 International Conference on Family Planning (ICFP) Secretariat last week to discuss the important role the conference plays in the goal of achieving universal access to sexual and reproductive health products and services by 2030.

The 2022 ICFP will be a strategic benchmark as the family planning community prepares to commit to a goal of universal access to sexual and reproductive health products and services by 2030.

Gates Institute Director and Director of the International Steering Committee for the 2022 ICFP Jose “Oying” Rimon II shared the Secretariat’s vision for UNFPA’s involvement in Pattaya for the sixth ICFP, including representation at the political opening ceremony on 14 November and other high-profile events. UNFPA Director Dr. Natalia Kanem and her executive team continue to partner closely with the ICFP Secretariat on aligned interests in FP, SRHR, and achieving the SDGs. 

This year’s ICFP represents a renewed movement to achieve universal access to family planning by 2030, in a collective and collaborative way. ICFP partners and community members have contributed to the evidence, research and lessons learned about the power that family planning plays in achieving universal health coverage.

This movement is seen at all levels of society, including local communities, government institutions, private sector innovators, funding institutions, and NGOs around the globe. For nearly 12 years, the ICFP community has worked together to move family planning and reproductive health priorities to the center of development.

“The record-breaking 3,100+ scientific abstracts submitted to the 2022 ICFP illustrate a growing global interest in reproductive health and the many ways it promotes human and planetary health, improves education, and builds strong economies,” shared Rimon. “This year’s scientific program represents the strongest body of new family planning research presented at ICFP yet.”

For more information on the sixth ICFP this November, visit ICFP2022.org.

Photo from left to right: Kellie Welborn, Anastasia Pierron, Dr. Julitta Onabanjo, Jose “Oying” Rimon II, Dr. Natalia Kanem, Dr. Gifty Addico, and Christina Cherel at the UNFPA Office in NYC.