As we find ourselves in the heart of the festive season, I am reflecting on the incredible journey we have shared throughout the past year – my first full year as UNFPA East and Southern Africa Regional Director. In the spirit of celebration and gratitude, I am sharing a few thoughts that brought joy, hope, and empowerment in our hearts, individually and collectively.
Let us take a moment to acknowledge the milestones we have achieved in our region this year. For 365 days of this year, and guided by our North Star, we all came together in our efforts to ground our fast-paced world into zero – where there will be zero preventable maternal deaths, zero unmet need for family planning, and zero gender-based violence and all harmful practices, as well as zero sexually transmitted HIV.
We have achieved many milestones, and hosted a significant number of global and continental key events in furtherance of our mission. However, our success is not just measured in numbers and targets but in the connections we have forged, the challenges we have overcome, and the collective will defining our true spirit of collaboration. This festive season teaches us the power of gratitude.
Amidst our pursuit of the global goals and Africa’s aspirations of the Agenda 2063, let us pause and appreciate the monumental journey guided by the landmark International Conference on Population and Development in Cairo in 1994, which culminated in the Lusaka Review Summit. A moment where we celebrated our achievements as a continent, but also acknowledged where we have seen reversal of previously hard won gains and stagnation in other areas.
Yet, each young person reached, every obstetric fistula repaired, and each life saved is a testament to our dedication and resilience. Let us carry a spirit of gratitude into the coming year, recognizing the value in both our triumphs and trials. We enter 2024 with a fresh start in redoubling our efforts to ensure that no one is left behind and finding light in the harsh realities of our world.
Women and girls remain in the crossfires of wars, fleeing for their lives with their dignity in tatters; millions of them still fighting for their rights and bodily autonomy; and a generation of 10-year-old African girls finding dreams a luxury. The situation seems bleak yet I am hopeful because we are here together, carrying the torch, spreading the light and leading the path to a brighter future. In addition, I am encouraged and inspired by the resilience and energy of the spirit of young people, as they innovate solutions, mobilize communities, march for their rights, raise awareness and lead debates and discussions on what needs to be done.
For this year and beyond, I want to express my deepest gratitude for your hard work, dedication, and strengthened partnership in changing our world. As I am writing this in my duty station in South Africa, I am reminded of the wisdom of Nelson Mandela, who said, “It always seems impossible until it's done.” This festive season is a reminder that we will make it – our success has been pre-defined by our diversity, unity and our collective strength.
With heartfelt gratitude and best wishes,
