In November of last year, more than 8,300 delegates from 170 countries and territories gathered in Nairobi, Kenya, to affirm support for reproductive health and rights. © UNFPA
The event, the Nairobi Summit on ICPD25, generated over 1,250 concrete commitments by governments, corporations, organizations and individuals. © UNFPA
Together, they pledged to work towards “three zeros” – zero unmet need for family planning, zero preventable maternal deaths, and zero gender-based violence and harmful practices. © UNFPA
Thanks to the summit, we know what needs to be done to realize a world of rights and choices for all. UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem, Kenyan Deputy President William Ruto and Danish Parliamentarian Karen Ellemann at the summit’s close. © UNFPA
But just after the event, the world hit a stumbling block: the COVID-19 pandemic. Globally, sexual and reproductive health services have been disrupted, and gender-based violence has spiked. © UNFPA
But we will not turn back now. On 17 September, a High-Level Commission will convene to keep us on track. Jayathma Wickramanayake, the UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth, is part of the commission. © UNFPA
Like the Nairobi Summit, the commission will be radically inclusive. Martin Karadzhov, an advocate of youth, diversity and inclusion, is seen speaking in Nairobi. He, too, is a member of the High-Level Commission. © UNFPA
Other members include former heads of state, grassroots advocates and everyone between. Michaëlle Jean, former Governor General of Canada, is the commission’s co-chair, along with former president of Tanzania Jakaya Kikwete. © UNFPA
This group will report on the status of the commitments and offer a bold vision for moving ahead. On the right, commission member Mary-Ann Etiebet, of MSD for Mothers, speaks at the Nairobi Summit. © UNFPA
“We continue to forge ahead, to back up words with deeds and action on the ground,” said Dr. Kanem ahead of the commission. “The new High-Level Commission will help all of us who made commitments in Nairobi keep those promises.” © UNFPA
