News break decision makers philanthropists advocates discuss family planning in london
Breaking News: Family Planning Discussion Brings Together Decision Makers, Philanthropists, and Advocates in London
London, UK - A high-level discussion on family planning brought together influential decision makers, philanthropists, and advocates in London today, focusing on the critical issue of reproductive health and rights.
The event, hosted by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, featured a panel of experts, including:
- Dr. Natalia Kanem, Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
- Lord Nick Herbert, UK Parliamentarian and former Minister of State for Health
- Dr. Helen Clark, Former Prime Minister of New Zealand and Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
- Sarah Brown, Global Ambassador for Girls Not Brides and former First Lady of the United Kingdom
- Dr. Chris Elias, President of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation's Global Development Program
The discussion centered around the importance of family planning in achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3: Ensure Healthy Lives and Well-being for All. The panelists emphasized the need for increased investment in family planning, citing the significant impact it can have on reducing poverty, improving maternal and child health, and empowering women and girls.
Key Takeaways:
- Family planning is a critical component of sustainable development: The panelists stressed that family planning is essential for achieving the SDGs, particularly in reducing poverty and improving health outcomes.
- Investment in family planning is crucial: The panelists emphasized the need for increased investment in family planning, citing the significant returns on investment in terms of improved health outcomes and economic growth.
- Addressing unmet need for family planning is essential: The panelists highlighted the importance of addressing the unmet need for family planning, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where millions of women and girls lack access to modern contraception.
- Empowering women and girls is key: The panelists emphasized the importance of empowering women and girls through education, economic opportunities, and access to reproductive health services, including family planning.
Quotes from the Panel:
- "Family planning is not just a matter of individual choice, but a critical component of sustainable development. It's essential for reducing poverty, improving health outcomes, and empowering women and girls." - Dr. Natalia Kanem, UNFPA
- "We need to prioritize family planning in our development efforts. It's a critical investment in the health and well-being of individuals, communities, and societies as a whole." - Lord Nick Herbert, UK Parliamentarian
- "Family planning is not just a women's issue, it's a human rights issue. We need to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their gender, have access to the reproductive health services they need." - Dr. Helen Clark, UNDP
The discussion concluded with a call to action, urging decision makers, philanthropists, and advocates to prioritize family planning in their efforts to achieve the SDGs.