This archive report was first published on 13 November 2019.
On November 13, 2019, the International Conference on Population Development (ICPD) concluded in Nairobi, Kenya, with the government dismissing critics who argued that the forum was not inclusive.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Macharia Kamau stated that the summit has been very inclusive, contrary to claims made by some organizations and churches opposing the ICPD.
Speaking on the sidelines of the ICPD summit, Mr. Kamau said, "Sometimes you look for summits which will have substantive and transformative commitments."
The Nairobi summit aimed to accelerate efforts to achieve three zeros by 2030: zero unmet need for contraception; zero preventable maternal deaths; and zero gender-based violence and harmful practices, such as child marriage and female genital mutilation.
Kenya made several commitments that promise to better the lives of women and girls within a decade, including President Uhuru Kenyatta's commitment to eliminate female genital mutilation (FGM) within three years.
"Empowering women essentially empowers nations, societies and the world," Mr. Kenyatta said.
Dr. Natalia Kanem, the executive director of the United Nations Population Fund, stated, "We came to Nairobi because we have to accept that good progress is good enough. Reproductive rights for women and girls are not up for negotiations."
