The Sixth Regional Review of the International Conference on Population and Development in the Arab Region

To reflect on achievements and pathways to ensure population issues are at the center of sustainable development in the Arab region, the sixth regional review of the International Conference on Population and Development was held on 13 and 14 September in Beirut, Lebanon. 

The regional conference, co-hosted by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia, the International Planned Parenthood Federation and UNFPA, gathered government officials, parliamentarians, representatives of national human rights institutions, regional organizations, civil society organizations and young people to discuss how to accelerate progress achieving the ICPD Programme of Action and towards the Sustainable Development Goals. 

Nearly 30 years since the ICPD in Cairo and 10 years since the Cairo Declaration, regional review findings from 13 countries demonstrate that there have been remarkable positive changes despite multiple crises. Across the Arab region, life expectancy has increased and teenage pregnancy has decreased. Eleven Arab countries have reduced maternal deaths, and four more are on track to achieve the target set under Sustainable Development Goal 3. More women have choices over their bodies today, with 45 per cent able to use modern contraceptives compared with only a third in 1994.
 
While ICPD30 is a moment to celebrate 30 years of growing achievements, it is also a critical time to reflect on the challenges and chart a course for a more resilient and prosperous future for all. Participants acknowledged the need to address inequalities, remove barriers and create an enabling environment for young people, women, the elderly, persons with disabilities, migrants and refugees to contribute to their societies. Leaders at the regional review conference also discussed key challenges and laid out future priorities. These were informed by key messages and recommendations from the regional parliamentarians dialogue, the stakeholders dialogue and by the youth declaration developed during the regional youth and adolescents consultation.

“Despite the many challenges facing the region, one thing is clear: Countries where women and girls are at the center of development make the greatest progress. Investing in women’s and girls’ health, education, rights and agency lays the foundation for gender equality, drives progress within communities and catalyzes prosperity in the Arab region,” said Dr. Natalia Kanem, UNFPA’s executive director, while addressing participants at the regional conference.