Attending the Nairobi Summit on ICPD 25 was an enlightening and empowering experience, one that reaffirmed the global commitment to advancing reproductive health and rights (RHR) for all individuals. As the Director-General of the Ministry of Employment, Social Affairs & Family of the Republic of Somaliland, I was honored to represent my country and contribute to the discussions surrounding gender equality, women’s empowerment, and sustainable development.
The summit brought together a diverse array of stakeholders, including heads of state, ministers, parliamentarians, civil society organizations, and representatives from the international community. It was inspiring to witness the collective dedication to building upon the progress made since the landmark International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) held in Cairo 25 years ago.
During the summit, I had the opportunity to present Somaliland’s commitment to mainstreaming the needs and concerns of women and men, girls, and boys in all aspects of development. We are steadfast in our efforts to eradicate gender-based violence (GBV) and promote gender equality and women’s empowerment by 2030.
Participating in the Parliamentary Forum organized by EPF was particularly impactful. Engaging with over 200 parliamentarians from around the world underscored the crucial role that political will and leadership play in advancing RHR. Through representative, legislative, budgetary, and oversight roles, parliamentarians have the power to drive positive change and ensure the health and rights of women and girls are prioritized.
Additionally, my meetings with high-profile delegates, including ministers from Burundi, the Republic of Central Africa, and The Gambia, provided valuable opportunities to discuss collaborative efforts and share best practices. Connecting with youth leaders such as African Youth Envoy Aya Chebbi highlighted the importance of intergenerational dialogue and partnership in advancing the goals of ICPD 25.
Upon returning to Somaliland, we organized a panel discussion focused on localizing the ICPD commitments. This forum allowed us to exchange ideas, share policy objectives, and strategize on how to effectively implement the lessons learned from the summit at the local level.
Overall, my participation in the Nairobi Summit on ICPD 25 was both informative and inspiring. It reinforced my commitment to championing RHR and gender equality within my country and beyond, and I am eager to continue working towards a future where all individuals can realize their reproductive health and rights.
