H.E. Mr. Z¨¦phyrin Maniratanga,
Chair of the 59th session of the Commission on Population and Development,
Co-facilitators
Executive Director of UNFPA, Ms. Diene Keita,
Excellencies,
Distinguished delegates,
It is a pleasure to address the Commission on Population and Development at the closing of its 59th session.
Let me begin by thanking the Chair, H.E. Mr. Z¨¦phyrin Maniratanga, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Burundi to the Â鶹APP, for his exemplary leadership. Allow me also to thank the Bureau , especially the four Vice-Chairs for their excellent collaboration with UN DESA over the past year.
While the absence of a consensual outcome on this year¡¯s special theme is regrettable, this session has been dynamic and deeply substantive. It offered a valuable platform for the exchange of diverse perspectives, informed by many insightful presentations and grounded in evidence.
The frank, thoughtful and interactive discussions demonstrated a strong collective commitment to advancing a shared understanding of the issues before us, even where views diverged. These deliberations have helped to examine key challenges, identify areas of convergence, and generate ideas that will continue to inform and strengthen our work. In this spirit, the contributions made during this session will resonate beyond these halls and help shape future deliberations and action.
Throughout the week, we heard from experts, Member States, and civil society about how technology, digital innovation and research can accelerate implementation of the ICPD Programme of Action and the 2030 Agenda. At the same time, we acknowledged that technological change has, in some cases, exacerbated inequalities and created new divides and challenges.
The high level panel discussion on Tuesday morning emphasized that advances in technology and research must be inclusive and rights?based, underpinned by robust frameworks, high-quality data, and integrated digital solutions that ensure no one is left behind.
Colleagues,
As the session draws to a close, I extend my sincere appreciation to our UN system partners for their substantive contributions to this session, including UNFPA, ITU, WHO, UNESCO and the regional commissions.
I also express my deep gratitude to our close partner and my dear colleague, Ms. Diene Keita, and her outstanding team, for their collaboration and commitment in the preparation for this session.
Finally, let me once again thank the Chair, the Bureau, Co-facilitators and all the members of the Commission. Your tireless efforts and enduring commitment remain vital to accelerating our progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 and beyond.
Thank you.