“You are the designers of where you want to go next!” - Dr. Natalia Kanem shares hopeful energy at ICPD30 opening ceremonies.
The Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund, Dr. Natalia Kanem, addressed the over 400 young people and youth-focused organizations during the opening ceremonies of the ICPD30: Global Youth Dialogue.
"Look around, feel the energy of the hearts and minds connected from people and activist from all over the world.” She continues, “Know that this is your SPACE, to LISTEN, this is your AGENDA and the designers of where you want to go NEXT!”
She went on to say, “Let us recall 30 years ago, in Cairo, it was for anyone who was there and that had been the game changer. I recall 30 years ago I was there is Cairo as a young activist.”
Her departing words rang powerful and hopeful.
“Leave here with a powerful sense of inspiration and purpose. The PoA of the ICPD has been revolutionary calling countries to make priority to make SRH an agenda to avoid teenage pregnancy, to avoid STIs, to leave free from violence and harmful practices. Build alliances and build a greater community of global leaders. To build and move the ICPD vision moving forward into the next phase.”