Press release

Secretary of State Barry Faure delivers opening remarks at the launch of the UNFPA report

April 16, 2019
StateHouse

The Secretary of State of Foreign Affairs and of the Blue Economy, Ambassador Barry Faure delivered the opening remarks at the launch of the UNFPA’s   State of the World Population 2019 report, today at Savoy Hotel.

In his remarks, Ambassador Faure extended a particular welcome to the UN team and noted that “This event is a testament to the valuable work of UNFPA and the great progress achieved around the world. This could not have come at a most opportune time, when UNFPA is celebrating its milestone accomplishment of 50 years in existence since its launch in 1969”.

The UN Resident Coordinator, Mrs. Christine Umutoni followed with a welcoming speech in which she expressed that the “World Population report being launched is happening here in Seychelles at an ideal time when we are also having our UN Country Team retreat”, which officially starts tomorrow.

The World Population Report presented by Country Director of UNFPA, Mr. Serge Bounda, has traced advances of reproductive health over a period of 50 years since the establishment of the UNFPA which is the United Nations’ sexual and reproductive health agency. The report shows that remarkable gains have been made in the sexual and reproductive health and rights since 1969. But despite progress, the pursuit of rights and choices is an ongoing one, with new challenges emerging all the time.

Designated Minister, Mrs. Macsuzy Mondon who was present for the launch on behalf of President Faure, accepted a copy of the report from the UNFPA Regional Director, Dr. Julita Onabanjo.

“The report which is being launched today further highlights the important interrelated links between, human rights, gender equality and access to sexual reproductive health service. Universal access to sexual and reproductive health not only relates to the issue of rights, but also the vital importance in achieving other global development goals, including the Sustainable Development Goals” expressed Minister Mondon in her acceptance speech.

Also present for the launch were Minister of Health, Mr. Jean Paul Adam, members of the Diplomatic Corps and key personnel from various UN agencies; the Regional Director for UNESCO, Mrs. Ann Therese Ndong-Jatta, the Regional Director for UNWTO, Mrs. Elsia Grandcourt,  along with many UN resident coordinators and other UN family members.