ICPD30 Regional Conference on Sexual and Reproductive Health in Eastern Europe and Central Asia

With the understanding that sexual and reproductive health is central to solving the social and demographic challenges in Europe, more than 100 representatives of governments, civil society, academia and international organizations from Eastern Europe and Central Asia gathered to chart a way forward. 

The regional conference, co-hosted by UNFPA, the Government of Georgia and ANSER on 26 and 27 September in Tbilisi, Georgia, focused on the past three decades of implementing the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development, in preparation for Europe’s ICPD30 regional population conference on 15 and 16 October 2023.

“Reproductive rights and choices are not a barrier to countries’ development – quite the opposite. They are central to unlocking people’s full potential and strengthening societies’ human capital, contributing to countries’ ability to thrive amid rapid demographic change,” UNFPA’s Deputy Regional Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia Giulia Vallese said.

Participants discussed the notable progress in ensuring universal access to sexual and reproductive health services and information over the past 30 years. Across the region, fewer women die giving birth, adolescents are less likely to get pregnant, the quality of sexual and reproductive health services has improved, and countries have adopted action plans to implement in their commitments.

Considering the current threat to this progress and persisting gaps, discussions also focused on key strategies for different countries to accelerate progress towards universal access to sexual and reproductive health across Eastern Europe and Central Asia. 

The agreed priorities and recommendations for the way forward are reflected in the Call to Action on Accelerating Progress in Sexual and Reproductive Health, adopted by conference participants.