During this event mass media representatives and the UN system public affairs experts will learn more about UNFPA activities around the globe and, in particular, about the programme implemented in Uzbekistan.

It’s planned that the briefing will consist of a number of interactive presentations on such components as reproductive health, population and development, gender equality and communication.

The major goal of this event is to raise media awareness and interest in the activities of the Fund, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. Since 1969, UNFPA is the largest source of assistance in the area of population and development working with governments and other stakeholders in more than 140 countries around the world. To date, the agency allocated over 7 billion US dollars to fund such projects.

As mentioned earlier, another important occasion is the 15th anniversary of ICPD. The ICPD Programme of Action (along with other international agreements) is one of the fundamental documents UNFPA’s work is built on. The briefing participants will learn in more details about the principles ICPD Programme of Action is based on and learn the reason why this document is a cornerstone in implementing the mission of the organization.

In addition, media outlets will be able to approach UNFPA staff members with their questions regarding the Fund’s activities.

“2009 in many respects is a historical year for our agency and we would like to use the opportunity of these significant dates to strengthen our cooperation with mass media, so that wide layers of population are acquainted with the Fund’s activities and have access to extensive information, which at time could be vital for their health and well-being”, - commented Mr. Matthew Kahane, UNFPA Representative a.i. in Uzbekistan. “Only in close cooperation with journalists we will be able to make the UNFPA slogan Because Everyone Counts! the reality of our everyday life.”

UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, is an international development agency that promotes the right of every woman, man and child to enjoy a life of health and equal opportunity. UNFPA supports countries in using population data for policies and programs to reduce poverty and to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every birth is safe, every young person is free of HIV/AIDS, and every girl and woman is treated with dignity and respect.