International Day of the Midwife

Midwives— Defenders of Human Rights

Statement by UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem for the International Day of the Midwife, 5 May 2019

Midwives are public health heroes, ensuring that a woman can have a healthy pregnancy, safe childbirth and essential care for her newborn – among the most basic human rights.

Youth Pre-meeting, Regional Forum on Sustainable Development

For the first time, a pre-meeting for and by young people will be held ahead of the Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (RFSD) for the UNECE* Region (21-22 March 2019). The meeting will take place on March 21 ahead of the formal opening of the RFSD.

Regional Forum on Sustainable Development for the UNECE Region

The Regional Forum on Sustainable Development for the UNECE region will be held on Thursday, 21 March, and Friday, 22 March 2019, at the International Conference Centre Geneva (CICG).

Theme: "Empowering people and ensuring inclusiveness and equality"

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under in-depth review: SDG 4 (quality education), SDG 8(decent work and economic growth), SDG 10 (reduced inequalities), SDG 13 (climate action), and SDG 16 (peace, justice and strong institutions), in addition to SDG 17 (partnership for the Goals) which is reviewed every year.