Population dynamics and reproductive health are central to development and must be an integral part of development planning and poverty reduction strategies. Promoting the goals of the United Nations Conferences, including those of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) relating to health, education and gender, is vital for laying the foundation to reduce poverty in many of the poorest countries. Indeed, without a firm commitment to population, reproductive health and gender issues, it is unlikely that any of the ICPD targets or the MDGs will be effectively met.