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Contributions to UNFPA break 1996 record
Contributions to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) reached
an all-time high in 2004 at US$ 326 million (provisional), exceeding
for the first time the 1996 record of $300 million.
A total of 166 countries contributed to UNFPA in 2004; the top six
donors were the Netherlands, the United Kingdom of Great Britain
and Northern Ireland, Japan, Sweden, Norway and Denmark.
“This remarkable level of support from Governments demonstrates
their commitment to reproductive health and rights, women’s
empowerment and gender equality”, said UNFPA Executive Director
Ms. Thoraya Ahmed Obaid.
“These priorities were agreed upon at the 1994 International
Conference on Population and Development in Cairo, and these investments
are absolutely essential to save lives and reduce poverty in line
with the Millennium Development Goals”, she added.
At the Cairo Conference, 179 Governments and civil society organizations
committed to a 20-year action plan to ensure universal access to
reproductive health information and services, including family planning,
and to uphold fundamental human rights, including reproductive rights.
Last year’s tenth anniversary of the Cairo Conference generated
increased political and financial commitment. “This is yet
another indication that United Nations Member States are fully committed
to the Cairo agenda and to UNFPA’s efforts to implement it”,
said Ms. Obaid.
The number of UNFPA donors has been steadily increasing over the
last few years, from 69 in 1999, to 149 in 2003, to the new high
of 166 in 2004. In addition, more than 40 countries pledged multi-year
funding in 2004 – another record for UNFPA.
“UNFPA is heartened by this increased show of support from
countries in every region of the world”, said Ms. Obaid.
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