News and Updates

UNFPA/UNICEF Report: 2000 African Communities Abandoned FGM/C Last Year

GENEVA – More than 2,000 communities, most of them in Africa, decided to abandon female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) in 2011, according to a report released on 6 February. The report, prepared by the UNFPA/UNICEF Joint Programme, demonstrates how social norms and cultural practices are changing. “The latest results show us that ... more

UNFPA Patron H.R.H. The Crown Princess of Denmark Participates in the Launch of State of World Population

COPENHAGEN – UNFPA’s flagship report State of World Population was launched in the presence of ministers and parliamentarians in several European capitals, including in Denmark, which also saw the participation of UNFPA Patron H.R.H. The Crown Princess of Denmark. The theme of this year’s report “People and possibilities ... more

UNFPA Launches New Web Tool for RH Supplies

COPENHAGEN – UNFPA has launched a new web portal – Access RH – that equips countries with tools to improve reproductive health supply systems. The new website will help countries meet their reproductive health objectives and improve staff and financial resources. more

7 Billion Photo Exhibition in Four Nordic Capitals

COPENHAGEN – Four Nordic capitals – Oslo, Helsinki, Stockholm and Copenhagen – will host the “Welcome Citizen Number 7 Billion” photo exhibition this fall. With images and text by National Geographic and UNFPA, the exhibition explores challenges and possibilities in a world of 7 billion people. The exhibition is being organized with partners in each country. more

EU President Speaks of a World at 7 Billion during UN General Assembly

NEW YORK – In its first ever address to the United Nations General Assembly since its status was upgraded earlier this year to “observer with voice,” the European Union chose to speak about the world population of 7 billion. The statement was delivered by the President of the European Council, Mr. Herman van Rompuy, who pointed out that in a few weeks, a woman somewhere on earth will give birth to a child, the 7 billionth human being on earth. He asked the General Assembly “On what planet will this child live?” more

UNFPA Speaks on Female Migration at European Girls’ Week

BRUSSELS – Women’s migration is a growing phenomenon but a misunderstood one, according to UNFPA, with migrant girls being the most vulnerable. To highlight their plight and find some solutions, a Girls’ Week – a week of events organized by NGOs and the European Parliament – was held to highlight the specific challenges and opportunities faced by girls who migrate. more

A World of 7 Billion: Finnish Seminar

HELSINKI – As the world nears a population of 7 billion inhabitants, a Finnish parliamentary seminar on population and development highlighted the many opportunities and challenges this milestone brings. The event, organized by the Finnish All-Party Parliamentary Group on Population and Development together with Väestölliitto, the Finnish Family Planning Association, brought attention to a wide range of issues related to population dynamics, including reproductive health and rights, family planning and the environment. more

UNFPA Presents Midwifery Report to EC Global Health Policy Forum

BRUSSELS – The latest Global Health Policy Forum – a monthly event convened by the European Commission to foster exchange with partners on global health issues – focused on Human Resources for Health. UNFPA took advantage of the opportunity to present highlights of its recent report, The State of World's Midwifery 2011: Delivering Health, Saving Lives, originally released in June. more