8 Billion Lives, Infinite Possibilities: The Case for Rights and Choices

Last week at Abuja, Nigeria, I was delighted to be represented by the Wellbeing Foundation Africa Senior Leads, at the launch of the UNFPA State of World Population Report 2023, led by UNFPA Nigeria in collaboration with the National Population Commission, and with the Federal Ministry of Health Nigeria, UN Nigeria agencies, and partners from the diplomatic, humanitarian, and development sectors in attendance.

As leading advocates of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 3 Good Health and Well-Being and SDG 5 Gender Equality, guided by the Nairobi Statement on ICPD25, WBFA shared our continued commitment to unlocking the infinite possibilities within each of the 8 billion lives on this planet, through their programming which focuses on prioritising maternal, newborn and child health, providing comprehensive access to health services, education and support, empowering generations to achieve their full potential and lead fulfilling lives.

This landmark report at the milestone of 8 billion explores how the understanding of global population trends impacts sexual and reproductive health and rights worldwide, and calls on the reframing of narratives surrounding population growth, urging global leaders to consider women’s rights and their ability to freely make their own reproductive choices.

Together, to ensure a resilient and equitable future, universal access to sexual and reproductive health services, and policies that center genderequality are necessary, to uphold the human rights of all people and make certain no one is left behind.

📸: With Dr. Natalia Kanem, UNFPA Executive Director, 2023 UN_Water Conference