The fifty-eighth session of the Commission on Population and Development will spotlight the critical importance of ensuring healthy lives and well-being for all, at all ages.
The session, which begins on World Health Day on 7 April, will feature a number of side events hosted by UNFPA and partners, including the launch of the Global Action Plan for Midwifery – a bold call to action designed to rally the maternal health community and drive political commitment to strengthen midwifery models of care.
The Commission on Population and Development is made up of 47 United Nations Member States elected by the Economic and Social Council for a period of four years, based on geographic distribution. It assists the Economic and Social Council in many ways, including advising on population issues, as well as monitoring and assessing the implementation of the Programme of Action of the landmark International Conference on Population and Development.
This year’s session will be broadcast on UN Web TV. You can learn more about it here.
Side events hosted by UNFPA and partners
Improving Health and Well-being for Women and Newborns: Launch of a global midwifery coalition
Date: 7 April, 1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. EDT
UN Headquarters, Conference Room 4
Hosted by UNFPA and partners including the Governments of Denmark, Germany, Luxembourg, Sierra Leone, Sweden, Tanzania and the United Kingdom, as well as the International Confederation of Midwives, UNICEF and the World Health Organization, this event rallies global leaders on the urgent need to expand midwifery services. The release of updated maternal mortality figures will underscore the high stakes, making a robust case for immediate investment in midwifery to drive lasting improvements in maternal, newborn and child health worldwide. Register here or watch here.
Intergenerational Dialogue: Ensuring Healthy Lives – Bridging Generations for Action
8 April, 1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. EDT
UN Headquarters, Conference Room 8
This event brings together experts, policymakers and advocates to discuss health, demographic shifts and well-being across all ages. It is organized by UNFPA and the Government of Japan, Kingdom of Denmark, Kingdom of the Netherlands, Republic of Benin, Republic of India, Republic of Lebanon, Republic of Moldova, Republic of Uruguay and the UN Youth Office. UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem will speak at the event. Register here or watch here.
Demographic Intelligence for Health Equity: Harnessing Data for Inclusive Policies and Universal Coverage
10 April, 1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. EDT
UN Secretariat, Conference Room 12
Organized by UNFPA, the Governments of Colombia, Colombia the Dominican Republic and Ecuador, andtogether with Harvard Medical School, this event will emphasize the role of demographic insights in advancing health equity, strengthening health systems and ensuring universal access to care. Register here.
The Role of the Private Sector, Innovation and Technology in Bridging the Gap in Maternal Health and Ensuring We Leave No One Behind
10 April, 1:15 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. EDT
UN Secretariat, Conference Room 12
At this event, co-sponsored by the Governments of Finland and Mexico, UNFPA and partners will discuss reproductive health, explore strategic partnerships, highlight best practices and discuss the potential of an integrated approach to support bridging the gap in maternal health outcomes – and to ensure that we leave no one behind. Register here.
Prioritizing Sexual and Reproductive Health and Sexual and Gender-based Violence in Crisis Response
8 April 1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. EDT
UN Headquarters, Conference Room 4
This event will address the importance of investing in health systems’ preparedness to respond to the health needs of women and girls affected by humanitarian crises. It will focus on access to life-saving support, including age- and gender-responsive sexual and reproductive health services for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. It is hosted by UNFPA, together with the Permanent Missions of Colombia and Norway, the International Planned Parenthood Federation and, Plan International, and UNICEF and UNICEF. Register here or watch here.
