This archive report was first published on 22 August 2019.
On 9 August 2019, UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem embarked on an official visit to Senegal, marking a significant milestone in her efforts to engage with African youth and promote population and development issues.
During her visit, Dr. Kanem participated in the '25 Hours of Dakar' event, organized by AfriYAN, the African network of youth and adolescents in population and development. The event brought together delegates from 23 countries in West and Central Africa, providing a platform for young people to voice their concerns and aspirations.
As part of the event, the young people delivered the Dakar Declaration, which was presented to Dr. Kanem. The declaration called on world leaders to address pressing issues such as maternal and infant mortality, sexual and reproductive health, and gender-based violence. Dr. Kanem assured the young people that their message would be conveyed to the Heads of State and world leaders at the upcoming Nairobi Summit, scheduled for 12-14 November 2019.
Dr. Kanem's visit also marked the launch of the 97-day countdown to the Nairobi Summit. The event was attended by international music icon Youssou Ndour, who electrified the atmosphere with his performance. The Senegalese music legend acknowledged UNFPA's efforts in supporting young people in Africa and expressed his commitment to the cause.
During her meeting with President Macky Sall, Dr. Kanem congratulated Senegal on its exceptional efforts in reducing maternal and infant mortality. The Government of Senegal expressed its commitment to do more on population and development issues, particularly in the field of health. Senegal is also considering joining the Sahel Women's Empowerment and Demographic Dividend initiative.
Dr. Kanem's visit was a significant step towards accelerating the implementation of the promises made at the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in Cairo in 1994. The conference had pledged to reduce preventable maternal deaths, respect sexual and reproductive health and women's rights, and end gender-based violence and harmful practices such as child marriage and female genital mutilation.
Dr. Kanem also visited the Fass region, where she met with communities and stakeholders to discuss the implementation of the demographic dividend concept in urban areas. The visit was an opportunity for Dr. Kanem to express her gratitude to the Regional Director, Mabingue Ngom, and Country Representative, Cecile Compaore Zoungrana, and the staff of both regional and country offices for their dedicated services.
Dr. Kanem's visit to Senegal was a testament to UNFPA's commitment to empowering African youth and promoting population and development issues. Her efforts will undoubtedly contribute to the success of the Nairobi Summit and the implementation of the ICPD's promises.
