The 57th session of the Commission on Population and Development #CPD57 took place at the UN Headquarters in New York from 29 April to 3 May. The theme of the session: “Assessing the status of implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development and its contribution to the follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development during the decade of action and delivery for sustainable development.” 

In her opening remarks, Natalia Kanem, Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), emphasized the historical significance of the International Conference on Population and Development in Cairo, where it was affirmed that gender equality, the expansion of rights and opportunities for women and girls, as well as universal access to reproductive health, are fundamental human rights and key prerequisites for sustainable development. She shared impactful stories from the girls whose lives have been transformed through its implementation, emphasizing the urgent need for continued investments and collaboration to overcome the persistent challenges in realizing women’s rights and choices and to fulfill the promises of Cairo. 

UNFPA and the Governments of Uzbekistan and Mexico co-hosted a Signature event, organized on the margins of the 57th session of the Commission on Population and Development (CPD57). The event focused on the critical role of gender-responsive family policies in addressing demographic changes, balancing work and care responsibilities, and shaping future opportunities for all. 

The signature event highlighted the importance of promoting gender equality in the division of labor, caregiving responsibilities, and access to employment opportunities to achieve work-life balance and economic empowerment for all. Participants discussed their foresight on future trends and provided policy recommendations for advancing gender-responsive family policies, fostering sustainable development, and promoting gender equality in line with global agendas such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Beijing Platform for Action.

The event commenced with introductory statements by Ms. Nazima Davletova, Head of the Department of External Relations of the Administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and Ms. Diene Keita, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and Deputy Executive Director of UNFPA. In addition to Uzbekistan, the event featured presentations of international experiences from countries such as Japan, France, Mexico, Finland, Sweden, and others, and discussions on key challenges faced by countries in developing and monitoring family policies considering gender aspects. Participant countries once again reaffirmed their commitment to promoting reproductive rights, expanding opportunities for women, and advancing gender equality.