Excellencies, colleagues,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the EU and its Member States. The Candidate Countries North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Georgia and the EFTA countries Iceland as well as San Marino align themselves with this statement.

The Commission on Population and Development has a crucial mandate to support our collective efforts to deliver on the promise of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD). 

While important progress has been made to fulfil the commitment of 179 governments in Cairo in 1994, significant challenges remain – ranging from health crises and climate change to setbacks in upholding human rights of all women and girls everywhere. The ICPD Programme of Action and the outcomes of its review conferences are as relevant as ever. 

The EU and its Member States, together with many other delegations, engaged constructively in the negotiations to reach a strong consensus outcome. 

The EU and its Member States are firmly committed to ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages. Enjoying the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being across their life cycle. 

Strengthening health systems and achieving universal health coverage, including sexual and reproductive healthcare services, and with a focus on primary health, is at the heart of our commitment within the EU and worldwide. Health threats, crises including triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, all highlight the need for action, both at home and in development and humanitarian settings. 

Implementing the ICPD Programme of Action and the outcomes of its review conferences fully, effectively and quickly is essential to achieving the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals, in a way that leaves no-one behind. Gender equality is central to this endeavour– it is at the core of the EU’s values and a universal human right. Women, girls, children, young people, older persons, persons with disabilities and anyone who is marginalised or in a vulnerable situations all deserve special consideration. 

The EU remains committed to the promotion, protection and fulfilment of all human rights and to the full and effective implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action and the Programme of Action of the ICPD and the outcomes of their review conferences and remains committed to sexual and reproductive health and rights, in this context. Having that in mind, the EU reaffirms its commitment to the promotion, protection and fulfilment of the right of every individual to have full control over, and decide freely and responsibly on matters related to their sexuality and sexual and reproductive health, free from discrimination, coercion and violence. The EU further stresses the need for universal access to quality and affordable comprehensive sexual and reproductive health information, education, including comprehensive sexuality education, and health-care services.

Effective multilateralism and inclusive multistakeholder partnerships across sectors are critical for advancing these goals. We warmly welcome collaboration with the UN system, governments, civil society, the private sector, and any other relevant stakeholders. In this regard, we want to emphasise our unwavering support and commitment to the WHO and its indispensable work to build a healthier future for us all. 

Health is essential for sustainable social and economic development and to enable everyone to exercise their rights, unleash their full potential and contribute to a prosperous and thriving society. 

If we have learned anything in the last few years, it is that progress is so often hard won but also easily reversed. It is vital to maintain momentum. The EU and its Member States remain resolute in doing just that. 

Thank you.