KATHMANDU, April 30: Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Minister for Health and Population, Upendra Yadav addressed the 57th session of the Commission on Population and Development in New York on Monday.
According to a press statement issued by the Permanent Mission of Nepal to the United Nations, he highlighted the utmost priority and importance given by Nepal to the implementation and attainment of the Program of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development since its adoption in 1994. Minister Yadav also mentioned the various policies, plans, and programs Nepal has been implementing to increase the quality of life of every citizen in its efforts to create a just, inclusive, equitable, and egalitarian society. He also reiterated the commitment of the Government of Nepal towards a rights-based, inclusive, innovative, and sustainable approach to population and development.
DPM Yadav returns home
In the afternoon, the Deputy Prime Minister also addressed the informal plenary meeting organized by the President of the General Assembly to mark the thirtieth anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development, as per the statement.
“Addressing the meeting, he said that thirty years since the landmark ICPD, the world has witnessed significant progress in poverty reduction, improved health systems, reduced fertility and mortality, increases in life expectancy, access to primary education, promoting gender equality, and advancing health and reproductive rights,” the statement reads.
DPM Yadav stressed the need to further reduce preventable maternal mortality, promote comprehensive sexuality education, enhance youth participation in decision-making processes, and strengthen the National Population Data system for the full realization of the plan of action of the ICPD.
“DPM Yadav called upon closer collaboration, stronger solidarity, and partnership as well as more support from the international community to overcome the gaps and challenges Nepal has been facing. Further, he urged the international community to stand in strong solidarity to address the concerns of the vulnerable population disproportionately affected by climate change and natural disasters,” the statement further reads.