asian Publication of the Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development

Afro-Asian Parliamentarians’ Dialogue

Monitoring Mechanism Needs to be Developed
) ORUM
July - August 2007

1 EWSLETTER

and Implemented by Parliamentarians

African and Asian parliamentarians, together with the officials from the Japanese government, UNFPA and IPPF

A monitoring mechanism needs to be developed and implemented by parliamentarians for effective implementation of
development programmes; and governments and development agencies should keep parliamentarians informed of all the
development projects and contracts for transparency and better results – were the most important outcomes of the 2nd
Afro-Asian Parliamentarians’ Dialogue on Population, Health and Community Capacity Building for Sustainable Development
Towards the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) IV and G8 Summit in 2008.

The dialogue between the 10 Asian
and 10 African parliamentarians, took
place on August 28-29 in Tokyo,
Japan in the presence of Japanese
government officials. The dialogue
included 20 parliamentarians from
Asia and Africa; and officials from
UNFPA and the International Planned
Parenthood Federation (IPPF). It was
organized by the Asian Population
and Development Association (APDA)
and AFPPD, in cooperation with the
Japan Parliamentarians Federation for
Population (JPFP).
Africa’s problem
is Asia’s problem
and it is a global
problem that we
share.
Mr. Yasuo Fukuda,
MP (Japan), and
Chair of AFPPD,
APDA and JPFP
The opening ceremony was addressed
by Mr. Yasuo Fukuda, MP (Japan) and
Chair of AFPPD, APDA and JPFP. He
spoke on population issues which are
crucial in resolving the development
problems in Africa and invited the
parliamentarians to share their
experiences and to learn from each
other, as this will have an important
bearing in solving these issues. He
emphasized that the African problem
is a complex combination of poverty,
infectious diseases and environmental
degradation - all of which are related to
population. The population increase,
resulting to poverty, is one of the major
causes of the expansion of infectious
diseases. “The problems created in
Africa will impact the whole world. In
this sense, Africa’s problem is Asia’s
problem, and it is a global problem that
we share”, he added.
Progress in MDGs is possible when
strong leadership and good policies
are combined.
Ms. Fama Ba, Director of the Africa
Division of UNFPA
Ms. Fama Ba, Director of the Africa
Division of UNFPA, emphasized the
importance of the dialogue in providing
an opportunity for the parliamentarians
to discuss the lessons learned in the
advancement of the International
Conference on
Population and
D e v e l o p m e n t
(ICPD) agenda
and the Millennium
Development Goals
(MDG). “This gathering
is especially relevant as
we reach the mid-point Ms. Fama Ba
of MDGs. The goals and objectives
agreed at the 1994 ICPD are closely
linked to the achievement of MDGs”,
she said. Evidence shows that the
rapid and large-scale progress towards
the MDGs is possible when strong
government leadership and good policies
are combined with adequate financial
and technical support.
Parliamentarians
are the key
advocates for
change
Mr. Tewodros
Melesse,
Regional Director of
IPPF-Africa
During his speech, Mr. Tewodros Melesse,
Regional Director of IPPF-Africa, spoke
on the linkages between the Sexual and
Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) and
sustainable development, and stressed
the role of parliamentarians in promoting
the above issues. In Africa, SRHR is
essential to the success of poverty
reduction and sustainable development
efforts – such as poverty reduction
strategy plans, national development
plans and MDGs. The parliamentarians
have the capacity to influence and
shape social movements, through the
partnerships among the public and private
sectors, NGOs, and civil societies. “You

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can be the key advocates for change in
poverty reduction, and in improving the
health and lives of people”, he added.
Ms. Chieko Nohno, MP (Japan) and
Vice-Chair of JPFP, spoke on behalf of
Mr. Yoshiro Mori, MP (Japan), former
Prime Minister of Japan , and Chair of
the Japan-African Union Parliamentary
Friendship League. Ms. Khira Lagha
Ben Fadhel, MP (Tunisia) and President
of the Forum of African and Arab
Parliamentarians on Population and
Development (FAAPPD); Mr. Katori
Teruyuki, Counsellor of the Ministry
of Health, Labor and Welfare; and Mr.
Left to right: Mr. Takashi Ohno, Director of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisher- and support are
ies; Mr. Katori Teruyuki, Counselor of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare; Mr. Koji n e c e s s a r y
Tsuruoka, Director-General for the Global Issues of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ms.
Chieko Nohno, MP (Japan) and Vice-Chair of JPFP; and Ms. Khira Lagha Ben Fadhel, MP t h e t e c h n o l o g y
(Tunisia) and President of FAAPPD
Takashi Ohno, Director of the Ministry among the countries, he added. Ms.
of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries; Myoung Ock Ahn, MP (Korea), chaired
also spoke at the ceremony.
Japanese international cooperation
in TICAD IV and G8
Mr. Koji Tsuruoka, Director-General
for the Global Issues of the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs, gave the background
information on the preparation of
TICAD IV and G8 Summit, to be
held in Japan, and the programme
supported for the African development.
The Inter-European Parliamentary
Forum of Population
and Development’s
Executive Committee
Member, Ms. Birute
Vesaite, MP (Lithuania),
spoke about the G8
Summit that took place
last year in Germany
a n d o t h e r r e l a t e d Ms. Birute Vesaite
parliamentary events. She was of a
view that the G8 parliamentary meeting
in Berlin, which was also attended by
AFPPD, was instrumental in promoting
the focus on HIV/AIDS, resulting in the
enhancement of funds for the disease.
It is urgently required in many
countries to establish sustainable
agricultural systems
Mr. Takeshi Horie
President of NARO
The inter-dependent problems of
population, agriculture, resources and
environment in Asia and Africa were
emphasized by Mr. Takeshi Horie,
President of the National Agriculture and
Left to right: Mr. Ali Issa Abbas, MP (Chad); Mr. El Hadji Malik Diop, MP (Senegal); Mr. Nguyen Van Tien, MP (Vietnam);
Mr. Tuang Untachai, MP (Thailand); and Mr. Chris Baryomunsi, MP (Uganda)
Food Research Organization (NARO). country is due to the policies on socio-
He said that given the increasing economic development, gender equity,
population and depleting resources and poverty reduction, and the high
in many countries, the establishment political commitment of parliamentarians
of sustainable agricultural systems, to reproductive health strategies”. The
which enable increased food production impact of HIV/AIDS on women and
and environmental children in Thailand was delivered by Mr.
protection, are Tuang Untachai, MP (Thailand).
urgently required to
ensure food security Mr. Chris Baryomunsi, MP (Uganda),
and livelihoods. spoke on HIV/AIDS prevention and its
“To realize such obstacles in Uganda. “The current major
possibility, more obstacle to HIV/AIDS programmes is
cooperation the limited coverage and access to
the key interventions and services”, he
in added. The impact of population and
reproductive health on the community
development development in Africa was emphasized
by Mr. Ali Issa Abbas, MP (Chad). The
session was chaired by Mr. El Hadji Malik
the session. Diop, MP (Senegal)
Rural development, health and S u s t a i n a b l e D e v e l o p m e n t a n d
population issues Capacity Building
Mr. Makoto Atoh, Professor of Waseda Mr. Jagannath Mandha, MP (India),
University, spoke on the demographic spoke on the inter-relation of primary
transition, and the social and economic education and total fertility rate in India.
development in Japan. Mr. Hidesuke Mr. Li Honggui, MP (China), stressed
Shimizu, Professor of Jikei University, that the Chinese government has taken
n a r r a t e d t h e c o m m u n i t y - b a s e d various measures to help the rural
approaches to the
infectious diseases
in Asia and Africa
while Ms. Kayoko
Shimizu, Vice-
Chair of APDA,
spoke on the post-
war community
development in
Left to right: Mr. Jagannath Mandha, MP (India); Ms. Emma Boona, MP (Uganda); and Mr.
Japan. Li Honggui, MP (China)
Population, reproductive health and women to increase their income and to
rights, and public health make substantial achievements. “The
The population policy, reproductive measures include the formulated policies
health rights, and demographic and measures to promote gender
transition in Vietnam were presented by equality, strengthened education and
Mr. Nguyen Van Tien, MP (Vietnam). He training programs, developed rural female
said, “The changing population in the professional cooperative and economic
organizations, and mobilized forces of
all social sectors”, he enumerated. Ms.
Emma Boona, MP (Uganda), presented
“How to Empower Women: Elimination
of Violence Against Women”. She
underlined that the empowerment
of women involves giving to women
socio-economic, political, cultural and
Ms. Myoung Ock Ahn (left), MP (Korea), and Mr. Takeshi religious tools to enjoy their human
Horie (right), President of NARO
rights, freedoms and responses.
 the enthusiastic achievement of MDGs”, he added.
discussion and fruitful
deliberation during Meeting with the Japanese NGOs and
the dialogue.” the Study Tour
The JOICFP organized a dialogue
In his concluding between the parliamentarians from
speech, Mr. Sultan the Asia-Pacific and Japanese NGOs
Aziz, Director working in Africa. The briefing and
of the Asia- discussion on reproductive health and
Left to right: Mr. Takeshi Osuga, Director for the Global Issues of the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs; Ms. Donya Aziz, MP (Pakistan); and Mr. Harry Jooseery, Executive Director of the Pacific of UNFPA, family planning experience of Japan was
Partners in Population and Development welcomed the Afro- a useful event - chaired by Mr. Yasuo
Afro-Asian Cooperation Asian cooperation in population and Kon, Chair of JOICFP, and Ms. Sumie
The last session was the panel discussion reproductive areas, and assured his Ishii, Executive Director of JOICFP.
focusing on Afro-Asian cooperation. cooperation to make it as useful as
Ms. Donya Aziz, MP (Pakistan), talked possible. He said that although the Parliamentarians visited the Japan
on “Developing Parliamentarians - challenges are becoming more complex, International Cooperation Agency
Good Governance Cooperation” while we are fortunate that we are in this age (JICA) facilities and were introduced
Mr. Tewodros Melesse spoke on the when the world has to JICA projects in
importance of Afro-Asian cooperation, become smaller - that Africa. In Gunma,
the key areas for South-South communication is much The parliamentarians
collaboration and the lessons learned. simpler, and bilateral were received by
He stressed that IPPF is promoting the and multilateral ties Mr. Akio Shigehara,
Afro-Asian cooperation and emphasized have proliferated. The Deputy Governor of
the need for more cooperation between dialogue between the the Gunma Prefecture,
the civil society agencies, by giving the two regions generated and were briefed on
Japanese Organization for International Mr. Sultan Aziz new knowledge, ideas, Mr. Osamu Kusumoto the manufacturing
Cooperation in Family Planning perspectives, and approaches that plants for agricultural products. One of
(JOICFP) as an example. would be appropriate and valuable the most informative projects was the
to development efforts in both Africa channelling hot spring water to heat up
South-South Cooperation and Asia. “This forum is a key pillar Gunma’s houses and hotels. Mr. Osamu
Mr. Harry Jooseery, Executive Director in maintaining the momentum of Kusumoto, Secretary-General of APDA,
of the Partners in Population and South-South cooperation towards the briefed the participants.
Development, introduced the population
growth factors in developing countries,
especially on the basis, impact
and achievements of South-South
cooperation. The key areas for South-
South collaboration included advocating
on the favorable policy environments for
population, health and development;
advocating for commodity security;
promoting and sharing successful
experiences in programme development
implementation and management; and
promoting and marketing the South- Participants at the study tour
South technical expertise, capacity
building ventures and institutional AFPPD-Malaysia’s Contributions for National
partnerships. Mr. Takeshi Osuga,
Director for the Global Issues of the
Independence Celebration Discussed
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, discussed Kuala Lumpur, August 31: The AFPPD- Omar, Chair of the Women Institute
the Asian contributions for African Malaysia organized a meeting of the of Management; Ms. Datin Paduka
development. local and international NGO officials, Rahmah Osman, Executive Director
and parliamentarians to discuss the of AFPPD-Malaysia; Hon. Rozaidah
Then, the participating parliamentarians programmes that AFPPD-Malaysia could Talib, MP and Secretary of AFPPD-
approved a Tokyo Statement of the Afro- contribute for the country’s celebration Malaysia; and Hon. Datuk Ahmad Husni
Asian cooperation. The session was on her 50th year of independence. Hanadzlah, Deputy Minister of the
chaired by Mr. Peter David Machungwa, Ms. Yeoh Yeok Kim, Representative of International Trade and Industry, and
MP (Zambia) and Chair of the Zambian UNFPA-Malaysia; Ms. Datuk Napsiah Chair of AFPPD-Malaysia; attended.
Parliamentary Network on Population
and Development.

UNFPA Assured Cooperation

Mr. Fukuda thanked the contribution
and cooperation of the participants,
saying, “We have been able to adopt the
proposition that we will present to our Ms. Yeoh Yeok Kim, Representative of UNFPA-Malaysia; Ms. Datuk Napsiah Omar, Chair of the Women Institute of Manage-
respective governments in preparation ment; Ms. Datin Paduka Rahmah Osman, Executive Director of AFPPD-Malaysia; and Hon. Datuk Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah,
Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry, and Chair of AFPPD-Malaysia
for TICAD next year, as a result of

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Need for Political Commitment and Advocacy
International Congress on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific
Around 2,500 activists, with UN
agencies and government officials,
assembled to express their views
on various technical, social and
political issues related to HIV/AIDS
at the 8th International Conference
on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific
(ICAAP) in Colombo, Sri Lanka on
August 19-23. The event was hosted
by the Government of Sri Lanka, in
cooperation with the AIDS Society
of Asia and the Pacific (ASAP),
UNAIDS, UNFPA, International
Planned Parenthood Federation
(IPPF), World Bank and World Health
Organization.
The conference theme was opened by
H.E. Mahinda Rajapakse, President
of Sri Lanka, and addressed by Hon.
Nimal Siripala de Silva, Minister of
Healthcare and Nutrition in Sri Lanka;
Mr. Michel Kazatchkine, Executive
Director of the Global Fund to Fight
AIDS, TB and Malaria (GFATM); Mr.
Myung Hwan Cho, President of ASAP;
Ms. Deborah Landey, Deputy Executive
Director of UNAIDS; and Nigel de Silva
and Ms. Princey Mangalika, former
and present Presidents of Lanka Plus,
respectively. Mr. JVR
Prasada Rao, Regional
Director of the Asia-
Pacific of UNAIDS;
Ms. Annmaree
O’Keeffe, Deputy
Director General of
the Australian Agency
Mr. JVR Prasada Rao
for International
Development; and Ms. Anandi Yuvaraj,
Program Manager of the Programme for
Appropriate Technology in Health; also
spoke at the welcoming session.
AFPPD projected political advocacy
The AFPPD’s focus for ICAAP was
to highlight the need for a political
commitment and advocacy with the
elected representatives. The AFPPD
collaborated with IPPF in organizing
a Health Ministers’ roundtable, which
was chaired by Hon. Nimal Siripala
de Silva, Minister of Healthcare and
Left to right: Ms. Madhu Bala Nath, Regional Director of IPPF-South Asia ; Dr. Sri Hermiyanti Junizarman of Indonesia; Dr.
Ramchandra Man Singh of Nepal; Dr. Mam BunHeng of Cambodia; Ms. Raj Karim, Regional Director of IPPF-ESEAOR;
Dr. Nanta Auamkul of Thailand; Dr. Mohammad Mehdi Gouya of Iran; and Dr. Chaudhary Mohammed Iqbal of Pakistan
AFPPD Emphasized
Front row, left to right: Ms. Deborah Landey, Deputy Executive Director of UNAIDS; Hon. Nimal Siripala de Silva, Minister of
Healthcare and Nutrition in Sri Lanka; H.E. Mahinda Rajapakse, President of Sri Lanka; Mr. Michel Kazatchkine, Executive
Director of GFATM and Mr. Myung Hwan Cho, President of ASAP (Source: Colombo Page)
Nutrition in Sri Lanka,
and addressed by Ms.
Gill Greer, Director
General of IPPF, and
Ms. Meenakshi Datta
Ghosh, Secretary of the
Ministry of Panchayati
Ms. Gill Greer
Raj in India.
The roundtable became interesting
when Ms. Madhu Bala Nath, Regional
Director of IPPF-South Asia, and Ms.
Suneeta Mukherje, Representative
of UNFPA-Philippines, presented
a monologue on the current status
of sexual and reproductive health
in India - followed by a short video
presentation on the same theme. Others
who participated in the roundtable
were Dr. Aishath Shiham of Maldives,
Dr. Gado Tshering of Bhutan, Dr. Mam
BunHeng of Cambodia, Dr. Chaudhary
Mohammed Iqbal of Pakistan, Dr.
Mohammad Mehdi Gouya of Iran, Dr.
Nanta Auamkul of Thailand, Dr. Sri
Hermiyanti Junizarman of Indonesia,
Dr. Ramchandra Man Singh of Nepal,
Dr.Hao Yang of China and Dr. Mya Oo
of Myanmar.
Parliamentarians’ dialogue with the
People Living with HIV (PLWHIV)
The Asia Pacific Alliance and AFPPD, in
cooperation with the Asian Development
Bank (ADB), organized an interesting
dialogue between the parliamentarians
and the young PLWHIV. The dialogue,
conducted by Mr. Kevin Osborne, Senior
HIV/AIDS Advisor of IPPF-London,
was one of the most useful events in
helping to highlight the realities at the
ground level. The NGO and community
representatives talked on the relevant
policy frameworks and programmes
in their own country and on the status
of HIV/AIDS prevention programmes.
The parliamentarians who participated
were Ms. Malinee Sukavejworakit and
Ms. Tuenjai Deetes from Thailand, Ms.
Nguyen Thi Kha from
Vietnam, Mr. Hakim
Sorimuda Pohan from
Indonesia, Ms. Peou
Saveoun from Cambodia
and Mr. Phonethep
Pholsena from Lao
PDR. ADB officials: Ms.
Mr. Kevin Osborne
Ursula Schaefer-Preuss,
Vice President, and Ms. Jennifer Francis,
NGO and Civil Society Specialist, also
attended.
Pre-ICAAP Parliamentarians’
Seminar
The AFPPD also collaborated with the
Parliamentarians for Global Action (PGA)
for the Pre-ICAAP Parliamentarians’
Seminar on August 18. The event
was organized in cooperation with the
Ministry of Healthcare and Nutrition.
It was attended by parliamentarians
from India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan,
New Zealand, Belgium; and AFPPD
parliamentarians from Thailand, Vietnam,
Indonesia, Cambodia and Lao PDR.
In a session, “South Asia’s Current
HIV/AIDS Situation and Response”, Mr.
Hakim Sorimuda Pohan, MP (Indonesia)
and Vice-Chair of the Indonesian Forum
of Parliamentarians on Population
and Development (IFPPD), spoke
on the highlights of
HIV/AIDS response Filipino MP in World
in Indonesia. He also
underlined that IFPPD Bank’s Field Visit to
had disseminated
information on the
HIV/AIDS latest
Mozambique
situation, empowered Maputo, July 22-27: The Parliamentary
parliamentarians and Mr. Hakim Sorimuda Pohan (left), MP (Indonesia), at the Pre-ICAAP seminar of PGA Network on World Bank and the World
assisted in developing indicators for The AFPPD parliamentarians who Bank (WB) organized a parliamentarians’
effective monitoring. attended ICAAP were Ms. Malinee field visit in Mozambique. The four-
Sukavejworakit and Ms. Tuenjai Deetes day field visit was attended by 11
Some of the poster presentations also from Thailand, Ms. Nguyen Thi Kha from parliamentarians from around the
reflected the need to enhance the Vietnam, Mr. Hakim Sorimuda Pohan world, including Mr. Neric Acosta, MP
political commitment and parliamentary from Indonesia, Ms. Peou Saveoun from (Philippines), who was nominated by
advocacy with more involvement of Cambodia and Mr. Phonethep Pholsena AFPPD. The programme included
elected representatives. From AFPPD, from Lao PDR. Some of the AFPPD meetings with the local parliamentarians,
Mr. Shiv Khare, Executive Director, and alumni from India, Pakistan and New and representatives from the donor
Ms. Pariyaporn Sappapan, Administrative Zealand also attended the Pre-ICAAP communities and civil societies.
Associate, attended the conference. and ICAAP events.
Mr. Jean-Christophe Bas, Development
Policy Dialogue Manager of WB, noted
that the goal of the programme was
to give the parliamentarians a greater
awareness of the country’s poverty
reduction strategy, and the level of
participation, voice and accountability.
These themes were discussed during
a meeting with the members of civil
societies. An array of national and
international NGOs, opinion leaders, and
media groups shared their views with the
parliamentarians on civic engagement,
and participation in planning and
monitoring the government’s poverty
reduction strategy.
Top photo, from the left: Ms. Nguyen Thi Kha (2nd), MP (Vietnam); Mr. Hakim Sorimuda Pohan (4th), MP (Indonesia); Ms.
Peou Saveoun (6th), MP (Cambodia); and Mr. Phonethep Pholsena (7th), MP (Lao PDR). Bottom photo, from left: Ms. Malinee
Throughout the visit, the parliamentarians
Sukavejworakit (5th) and Ms. Tuenjai Deetes (6th), both MPs of Thailand, during the dialogue with the young PLWHIV emphasized the need for a strong donor
support for agricultural development,
Other Political Advocacy Events good governance and human
development, and the need to ensure the
• Hon. Chitralekha Yadav MP (Nepal), Strengthening Local governance for benefits of economic growth trickle down
spoke on “Recognizing HIV/AIDS as Sustainable AIDS Responses”. to the poor. They also met with other
a Development Issue” development partners to understand how
• Parliamentarians for Global Action the efforts to improve donor coordination
• UNAIDS’ Asia Pacific Leadership (PGA) organized “Parliamentarians were done. A half-day session with the
Forum organized “Portraits of Action” and the Role of Legislation in local parliamentarians also provided the
to highlight the concrete actions in Addressing HIV/AIDS”, chaired by visiting parliamentarians a chance to
responding to AIDS. Mr. Syed Javed Hon. Nimal Siripala de Silva, Minister learn of the challenges and opportunities
Hussain, MP (Pakistan), Ms. Maria of Healthcare and Nutrition in Sri faced by the country.
Isabelle Climaco, MP (Philippines), Lanka; and addressed by Senator
and Pastor Daniel Hewali (Papua New Alain Destexhe of Belgium, President
Guinea) addressed the symposium. of PGA; Ms. Nafis Sadik, Special
Envoy of the UN Secretary General for
• UNFPA-Mongolia and UNAIDS HIV/AIDS in Asia-Pacific; Mr. Jesudas
organized a symposium, “From Low Seelam, MP (India); Hon. Chitralekha
to Zero Prevalence – Translating Yadav, MP (Nepal); Ms. Noor Jehan
Political Commitment into Action”, Panezai, MP (Pakistan); and Ms.
addressed by Mr. Tim Sladden, Nguyen Thi Kha, MP (Vietnam) of
STI/HIV Adviser of UNFPA-Fiji; Ms. AFPPD.
Nafis Sadik, Special Envoy of the UN
Secretary General for HIV/AIDS in • The AIDS Society of Asia-Pacific
Asia-Pacific; and Ms. Tuya Badarch, organized a meeting to discuss the
Executive Director of NGO Focus. new opportunities in advocacy after
ICAAP, where AFPPD emphasized
• UNDP and World Bank organized a the need to work on informing the Mr. Neric Acosta (left), MP (Philippines) at the field visit
session, “Making Accountability Count: elected representatives about AIDS. in Mozambique

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Asian Regional Training of National Parliamentary Staff on
Inter-relation of Culture, Gender and Human Rights

Participants of the training

AFPPD, in cooperation with the UNFPA and UNESCO, organized an intensive training course for 42 staff members of
national parliamentary committees dealing with population, health and social issues, entitled “Development of Culturally-
Sensitive Programme”. The training was held in Chiang Mai, Thailand on July 9-13. It aimed to provide the participants with
the key knowledge, concepts, tools and techniques on culturally-sensitive programming. The course focused on providing
an overview of culturally-linked frameworks and relevant standard-setting instruments; understanding the importance and
interrelation of culture, gender, human rights and development; mainstreaming cultural analysis in programmes; and the
use, application and development of cultural lenses.
What people want should be a A broad range of expectations conventions and reports that highlight
central concern in programme Following the opening remarks, Ms. the importance of human rights and
development Maria Majella Rio, Resource Person from culture. An overview of the International
-Mr. Garimella Giridhar UNESCO, facilitated a group discussion Conference on
Director, UNFPA-CST, Bangkok on what the participants’ expectations Population and
The training was opened by Mr. were for the training. The participants Development,
Garimella Giridhar, Director of UNFPA- indicated a broad range of expectations - the Millennium
CST, Bangkok, and chaired by Ms. including to share their experiences and Development Goals
Malinee Sukavejworakit, Senior Adviser to broaden their perspectives on culture, (MDG) and the
of AFPPD. During her address, Ms. be able to extend the knowledge they standard-setting
Sukavejworakit spoke on the importance learned to the parliamentarians, learn instruments were
of culturally-sensitive programmes Ms. Vanessa Archilles
how to preserve culture, understand the discussed.
in achieving quality and improved relationship between culture and gender,
reproductive health for women. Mr. understand how culture can impact on Importance of Culture, Gender and
Giridhar addressed the participants on the programmes, and Human Rights
the importance of their role in ensuring be better positioned Ms. Mere Kisekka, Adviser for Gender
that parliamentarians address the to advocate to the and Socio-Cultural Research of UNFPA-
population and development issues in parliamentarians and CST, Bangkok, introduced the core
a culturally-sensitive way. He said that the community leaders gender and cultural concepts during
what people want should be a central on the population- and the session on “Understanding the
concern in programme development, development-related Importance of Culture, Gender and
and that helps to ensure the re-election of issues. Ms. Maria Majella Rio Human Rights”. A group work was held,
parliamentarians. Mr. Giridhar noted that where participants shared and discussed
it requires a bridge to be built between Culturally-link frameworks their experiences related to the tensions
the culture and the programmes so that and relevant standard-setting and links between human rights, gender
the strengths of a culture are utilized. instruments issues and cultural practices. The
Mr. Shiv Khare, Executive Director of A session to present an overview of the participants also
AFPPD, provided an overview of the culturally-linked frameworks and the exchanged examples
agenda and the objectives of each relevant standard-setting instruments from their countries
session. was delivered by Ms. Vanessa Archilles, where a cultural
Resource Person practice had been a
from UNESCO. barrier or a positive
The session aimed factor in national
to briefly introduce development plans. Ms. Mere Kisekka
some of the most
significant UN and Helping the facilitators evaluate the
non-UN international workshop
agreements, A group of participants reported on
c o n f e r e n c e the main events and lessons, aimed
Mr. Garimella Giridhar (left), Director of UNFPA-CST, Bangkok; and Ms. Malinee Suka-
vejworakit (right), Senior Adviser of AFPPD
declarations, at summing up the main discussions’
 Application of the to the older people. During the visit in
cultural lenses Radio Thailand-Chiang Mai, a briefing
M s . S u e R e i d , was given by Ms. Cholada Montreevat,
Communications Project Coordinator of the UNESCO
Coordinator of the Soap Opera project. The radio station,
Family Planning including the UNFPA-supported radio
Association (FPA)- soap opera, was an effective medium
New Zealand; Mr. to provide educational messages to the
Manohar Prasad hill tribe people. A visit to the hill tribe
Bhattarai, Special community followed.
Secretary of the
Left to right: Mr. Samidjo, Programme Officer of UNFPA-Indonesia; Mr. Muhammed Fayyaz, Nepali Parliament; Learned concepts and ideas at the
Secretary to the Pakistani Opposition Leader; Mr. Manmohan Sharma, Executive Secretary
of IAPPD; and Mr. Ekburus Srisanit, Secretary of the Thai National Legislative Assembly and Ms. Minh Vu Thi training course
Committee on Public Health Binh, Programme Mr. Junfeng Mao, Staff of the Chinese
and the presentations’ elements, Officer of the Vietnam Association of Parliament; Mr. Muhammad Hanif
refreshing the participants’ memories Parliamentarians on Population and Qureshi, Special Secretary of the
about the learned concepts before Development (VAPPD); were selected Pakistani Senate; Ms. Saskia Pfeyffer,
starting the new sessions, and helping to present their own summary and Programme Officer of the Inter-European
the facilitators evaluate the workshop’s comments about the previous activities Parliamentary Forum on Population
content and format. The group consisted and discussions. and Development (IEPFPD); and Ms.
of Mr. Samidjo, Dana Kabyldayeva, Chief Expert of
P r o g r a m m e the International Affairs and Protocol
Officer of UNFPA- Department of Kazakhstan; were
I n d o n e s i a ; M r. selected as the reporting group. They
M u h a m m e d reflected on what had been learned
Fayyaz, Secretary during the training and reported on
to the Pakistani participants’ feedback.
Opposition Leader;
M r. M a n m o h a n The participants were invited to create
Sharma, Executive their own cultural lens. This consisted
Secretary of the of the questions which could guide the
Indian Association project officers and the parliamentarians
Left to right: Ms. Sue Reid, Communications Coordinator of FPA-New Zealand; Mr. Manohar
of Parliamentarians’ Prasad Bhattarai, Special Secretary of the Nepali Parliament; and Ms. Minh Vu Thi Binh, when developing and implementing
on Population and Programme Officer of VAPPD programmes. The completed cultural
Development (IAPPD); and Mr. Ekburus After the presentation, a session to lenses were then displayed on the chart
Srisanit, Secretary of the Thai National develop an understanding of how the boards – so that the participants could
Legislative Assembly Committee on UNFPA and UNESCO cultural lenses can view each others’ lenses and exchange
Public Health. be applied to the different programmatic ideas. They also made posters which
issues – including gender, sexuality depicted what they had learned from the
UNFPA and UNESCO cultural lenses and HIV/AIDS – followed. The activities training course, as well as what their
are in parallel of the session included a discussion fears and aspirations were for applying
After the group report, the UNFPA cultural and a group work on the case studies their knowledge.
lens was introduced to the participants demonstrating the
and a case study was provided for inter-relationship
analysis. The lens has six facets, four of these issues;
relates to knowledge and two relates to an overview of
skills. The participants were asked to the Radio Soap
exchange success and failure stories O p e r a p r o j e c t ,
that illustrate the importance of human which participants
rights, gender and cultural factors in the visited as part of
programme design. They analyzed the the field visit; and a
different aspects of the given case study video of an Indian
and discussed how the application of p o s t - t s u n a m i
cultural lens would have improved the workshop.
outcomes of the case study.
Field visit to the Left to right: Mr. Junfeng Mao, Staff of the Chinese Parliament; Mr. Muhammad Hanif
Qureshi, Special Secretary of the Pakistani Senate; Ms. Saskia Pfeyffer, Programme Officer
The UNESCO Cultural Diversity Lens project sites of IEPFPD; and Ms. Dana Kabyldayeva, Chief Expert of the International Affairs and Protocol
was also introduced, followed by a group The participants Department of Kazakhstan
work to discuss the similarities and links went for a field trip to the projects sites, Important issues of the culturally-
between the UNFPA’s and UNESCO’s including the AIDS and Ageing project sensitive approaches
cultural lenses. UNESCO and UNFPA of UNFPA, the Radio Thailand-Chiang At the closing session, Mr. Khare
had developed their cultural lenses in Mai, and the local Lahu community. The provided a brief overview of the training
parallel - though two slightly different key objectives of the AIDS and Ageing programme by commenting on the
tools resulted, they present views of the project site are to enhance the health importance of taking a culturally-
same thing. Groups found out that many and the quality of life of the older people sensitive approach to population- and
of the themes of UNESCO’s Cultural affected by HIV/AIDS, and to increase development-related issues, as this
Diversity Lens could be linked with the knowledge on HIV prevention and will help to ensure the success of
UNFPA’s cultural lens. awareness of the impact of HIV/AIDS continued to page 8

7
8
AFPPD Strategy Planning Meeting
Progress and Impact Level Evaluated
Chiang Mai, July 9: The representatives
of the national parliamentary committees
from the Asia-Pacific, Inter-European
Parliamentary Forum on Population and
Development, and Forum of African and
Arab Parliamentarians on Population
and Development attended the Strategy
Planning Meeting to review the work
of AFPPD and to discuss its national
committees’ achievements, problems,
resources and relationship with the
UNFPA. The meeting was conducted
by Mr. Shiv Khare, Executive Director
of AFPPD. He provided a particular
welcome to the representatives from
Afghanistan – Mr. Haj Zarin Zarin,
MP; Mr. Al Haj Bidar Zazai, MP; and
Mr. Nezamudin Adel, Director of the
Relations with the World Parliament of
International Relations Department –
and also to the representatives from the
Afghan delegation (left to right): Mr. Haj Zarin Zarin, MP; Mr. Al Haj Bidar Zazai, MP; and communication and
Mr. Nezamudin Adel, Director of the Relations with the World Parliament of International
Relations Department
Culture has become an
international issue
continued from page 7
programmes. Dr. Prat Boonyawongvirot,
MP (Thailand), Permanent Secretary of
the Thai Ministry of Public Health and
Secretary General of AFPPD, spoke
on the important issues of culturally-
sensitive approaches, as well as on
building the participants’ capacity in this
area. He noted that
culture has become
an international issue
in recognition of the
need to protect its
diversity, as well as
the influence that it
has on the programme
outcomes. In Dr. Prat
concluding the training, Boonyawongvirot
he presented each participant with a
certificate outlining their achievement
in completing the training course. The
training was also attended by Ms.
Fatimata Deme, Executive Director
of the Forum of African and Arab
Parliamentarians on Population and
Development.
parliament of Maldives – Mr. Mohamed
Rasheed, Director; and Ms. Aminath
Umar, Assistant Research Officer.
From the parliament of Maldives: Ms. Aminath Umar (left),
Assistant Research Officer; and Mr. Mohamed Rasheed
(right), Director
The participants at the meeting provided
an overview of the activities that their
national parliamentary committees
have been undertaking this year, as
well as the key achievements for this
year. The changing funding environment
and the implications that this may have
for the national
committees was
also discussed.
The final session
of the meeting
was dedicated to
seek feedbacks
from the country
representatives
on their views
of AFPPD – its
work, impact,
support levels.
Solidarity of Media Against Poverty Launch
Philippine Population and Development
Media Awards Unveiled
Quezon City, July 27: The media,
elected officials and development
groups joined hands during the launch of
the “Solidarity of Media Against Poverty”,
which aims to transcend rivalries among
media entities for the promotion of public
awareness on the issues of poverty,
population management and human
development. In her message, Ms.
Darlene Custodio, Vice-Chair of the
Philippine Legislative Committee on
Population and Development (PLCPD),
acknowledged the vital role played by
the media in informing and forming
public opinion on the above issues. Ms.
Ma. Theresa Fernandez, Programme
Officer of UNFPA, also expressed her
solidarity with the media.
The occasion also unveiled the 3rd
Annual Population and Development
Media Awards, an initiative that
aims to give recognition to media
World Population Day:
Men as Partners in Maternal
Health
New York, July 11: The World Population
Day was marked worldwide with “Men
as Partners in Maternal Health” as
the theme. This year emphasized
the important role that men play in
their partners’ maternal health – by
ensuring that the women have access
to contraception, safe obstetric care
and other services. Governments were
called on to do more to reduce maternal
mortality, and to strengthen health
systems and workforces to protect
the health of mothers, children and
families.
Ms. Thoraya Obaid,
Executive Director
of UNFPA, said that
despite the efforts put
in place to improve
maternal health and
to advance gender
e q u a l i t y, w o m e n
continue to die or Ms. Thoraya Obaid
suffer disability in childbirth because
women’s health has not been a high
priority. “Experience shows that men’s
involvement and participation can make
all the difference. By discouraging early
marriage, promoting girls’ education,
fostering equitable relationships, and
supporting women’s reproductive health
and rights, progress is made”, she
said.
practitioners who help disseminate
relevant information and positive values
on population and development, and
heightened public awareness and
knowledge on the issues. Mr. Ramon San
Pascual, Executive Director of PLCPD,
briefed the media representatives and
encouraged them to participate in the
competition.
Left to right: Ms. Ma. Theresa Fernandez, Project Officer of
UNFPA-Philippines; Ms. Marissa Reyes, Executive Director
of WINGS; Ms. Darlene Custodio, Vice-Chair of PLCPD; and
Ramon San Pascual, Executive Director of PLCPD
 European Forum’s Study Visit to Africa Steve Chadwick Received
European and Canadian Parliamentarians PointSeven Campaign Fair
Play Awards
in Ghana

Ms. Steve Chadwick, Chair of NZPPD and the Standing

Committee on Women of AFPPD

Wellington, July 17: The PointSeven

European and Canadian parliamentarians at the study visit in Ghana Campaign Fair Play Awards was
Accra, July 21-28: The Inter-European to SRH through a multi-stakeholder organized to acknowledge the parties
Parliamentary Forum on Population and meeting – with representatives from and individuals who contributed towards
Development (IEPFPD), Action Canada the Ghanaian Parliamentary Caucus a healthy debate on reaching the
for Population and Development, on Population and Development, internationally agreed target of 0.7
and Canadian Federation for Sexual UNFPA, National Population Council percent of Gross National Income
Health organized a week-long study and Planned Parenthood Association (GNI) for the Overseas Development
tour to Ghana for parliamentarians from of Ghana. The meeting provided an Assistance (ODA). Over 80 people
Canada, Germany, Sweden, Portugal overview of the stakeholders’ activities attended the ceremony – including
and Cyprus. The study tour included within the country. The parliamentarians ministers, parliamentarians, and
visits to various local NGO projects were impressed by the strategic planning members of the media and the NGO
dealing with Sexual and Reproductive that is taking place in the health sector communities. The event was hosted
Health (SRH) issues. and they committed to report back on by the New Zealand Council for
these challenges to their respective International Development. Ms. Steve
The participants were introduced to foreign and development ministries to Chadwick, Chair of the New Zealand
successes and challenges related help shape future aid policies. Parliamentarians’ Group on Population
and Development (NZPPD), and the
Young European Decision Makers Standing Committee on Women of
AFPPD, received an award on her role
Visited Tanzania as the Chair of NZPPD. A key strategic
focus of NZPPD is to encourage the
of the Parliament.
country’s government to commit to a
The meeting with
timetable for allocating 0.7 percent of
t h e Ta n z a n i a n
the GNI for the ODA.
Parliamentary AIDS
Coalition (TAPAC)
was significant and Noeleen Heyzer Appointed
consisted of 260 Executive Secretary of
parliamentarians,
which showed
UNESCAP
the commitment Bangkok, July 30:
of policymakers Ms. Noeleen Heyzer
Young European decision-makers at the study tour in Tanzania towards HIV/AIDS of Singapore had
Arusha, August 11-18: The IEPFPD, in challenges. The study tour also been appointed as the
cooperation with the German Foundation comprised visits to various youth Executive Secretary
for World Population (DSW), organized projects dealing with the reproductive of UNESCAP, with the
a week-long study tour in Tanzania for health aspects of the country’s efforts rank of Under-Secretary
young decision-makers from France, in meeting the Millennium Development General. She is the
Ms. Noeleen Heyzer
Moldova, Belgium, Spain and Finland. Goals – specifically those aimed at first woman to head
The programme of activities included family planning, reducing maternal UNESCAP. She was the Executive
meetings with the parliamentarians; and child mortality, preventing the Director of UNIFEM, a position she held
field visits to the NGO projects, hospitals spread of HIV/AIDS, and promoting since 1994. Since joining UNIFEM, Ms.
and youth clubs; and meetings with the empowerment of women and Heyzer had worked on strengthening
the business leaders and the key youth. The week-long tour raised an women’s economic security and rights;
adolescent SRH NGOs. awareness among the participants of promoting women’s leadership in
the unmet SRH needs of Tanzanians conflict resolution, peace-building and
The study tour started with a visit to the and enabled them to gain an experience governance; ending violence against
Tanzanian Parliament. The delegation on the reality of SRH situation in a women; and combating HIV/AIDS from
met the Prime Minister and the Speaker developing country. a gender perspective.

9
10
Global Technical Consultation on Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C)
UNFPA Urged Leaders’ Commitment to End FGM/C
UNFPA officials (left to right): Mr. Benson Morah, Director of CST-Addis Ababa; Ms. Fama
Ba, Director of Africa Division; and Ms. Aminata Toure, Chief of Gender, Culture and Hu-
man Rights Branch
Addis Ababa, July 31: The UNFPA
urged the international community
to back its pledge on zero tolerance
for Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting
(FGM/C) by intensifying advocacy and
grassroots interventions, and mobilizing
additional resources to combat FGM/C.
During the meeting, over 70 experts
from across the globe – including from
the UN agencies, faith-based and
non-governmental organizations, law
enforcement agencies, governments, and
New Zealand’s Youth Parliament 2007
Young Parliamentarians in the Making
Wellington, July 8-11: With support
from the Ministry of Youth Development,
121 young people from around New
Zealand had been chosen by their
local MPs to be Youth MPs. During
the Youth Parliament 2007, the Youth
MPs had the opportunity to debate a
mock bill, engage in a general debate,
sit on selected committees and ask
parliamentary questions. The event
aimed to give the young people the
opportunity to have their views heard by
the key decision-makers and the public,
and to help them to understand and
actively participate in the parliamentary
processes, learn how to influence the
governmental decision-making as
active citizens, and understand how the
decisions are made.
There was also a contingent of 24 young
observers from the Asia-Pacific to learn
about the country’s government and to
enhance their ability to foster national
youth representative mechanisms in
their own countries. The young observers
were from Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Kiribati,
Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia,
Myanmar and Solomon Islands. The
New Zealand Parliamentarians’ Group
on Population and Development
(NZPPD) facilitated the training to give
the observers an insight into the aims
and work of NZPPD, an understanding
research institutions
– discussed the
strategies and
adopted a road map
to end the harmful
practice, along with
the related issues
of sexual and
reproductive health,
human rights, and
gender.
During the five-day
Global Technical
Consultation on FGM/C, Ms. Fama
Ba, Director of the Africa Division
of UNFPA, said that although a
considerable progress had been made
in some countries, worrying trends are
beginning to emerge. She urged the
governments, development partners and
communities to recommit themselves to
the elimination of FGM/C, because
it violates the basic human rights of
women and girls, and endangers
their health. Ms. Ba commended the
Ms. Steve Chadwick (center), Chair of NZPPD and Standing
Committee on Women of AFPPD, with the participants
of the international debate on population
and development, and an opportunity
to share and implement their learnings
on those issues in their home countries.
Ms. Naomi Williams, Information and
Parliamentary Coordinator of the Family
Planning Association International
Development in New Zealand, and
Ms. Steve Chadwick, Chair of NZPPD
and Standing Committee on Women
of AFPPD, were both speakers in the
training.
An International Youth Participation
Workshop and Ministerial Forum
followed the training. It culminated in a
roundtable discussion with Ms. Nanaia
Mahuta, Minister of Youth Affairs The
workshop explored youth’s participation
in decision-making in the Asia-Pacific
region.
organizations that are achieving success
through the implementation of innovative
strategies based on the dialogues with
the community leaders.
Participants at the consultation called on
the religious and traditional leaders to
dispel misconceptions that are used to
justify the harmful traditional practice. In
a declaration adopted at the end of the
meeting, the participants further urged the
leaders to educate their constituencies
on the rights of women and girls to a
bodily integrity and healthy life, as well
as the enjoyment of their sexuality. The
participants also expressed concerns at
the slow pace of progress, and urged
the governments to enact and enforce
laws banning any form of FGM/C, to
provide adequate resources to scale up
its elimination programmes as part of the
effective gender equality and women’s
empowerment policies and programmes,
and to build national capacity law
enforcement agents and health providers
on counseling and treatment.
AFPPD and RHIYA Countries
Undertake Studies on
Adolescent SRH
AFPPD and the Inter-European
Parliamentary Forum on Population
and Development, in coordination with
the UNFPA and EC, organized 7 small-
scale studies in Bangladesh, Cambodia,
Lao PDR, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka
and Vietnam to examine the potential
Reproductive Health Initiative for Youth
in Asia (RHIYA)-style interventions to be
scaled up, as well as to explore the roles
of various stakeholders in meeting Asia’s
youth Sexual and Reproductive Health
(SRH) needs. The studies were carried
out under the supervision of AFPPD. A
final review seminar will be organized in
Brussels, Belgium on September 28 to
present the studies, discuss the future
SRH needs of young people in Asia, and
examine the capacities and intentions of
national governments to deliver SRH.
Just the Fact
The World Bank’s funding for HIV/AIDS
projects had declined from 1.3 billion
USD and 23 projects in 2004, to 287
million USD and 7 projects in 2006. It
was an 80% decline in the funding and
60% in the number of projects. Likewise,
the funding for the reproductive health
projects had declined from 1.7 billion
USD and 14 projects in 2003, to 1.1
billion USD and 12 projects in 2006.
UNFPA-Indonesia Invited
Parliamentarians to Monitor Field Activities, a Unique Initiative
West Nusa Tengara, July 18-19: The
Indonesian Forum of Parliamentarians
on Population and Development (IFPPD)
participated in a joint monitoring visit,
with the UNFPA and its partners, to
see UNFPA’s field activities. They
visited the places where projects under
UNFPA were being implemented –
such as an Islamic boarding school,
a village-integrated health post that
offers services on family planning, and
a local NGO that focuses on HIV/AIDS
prevention and care.
Health Law Amendment
A two-day hearing was also organized
by IFPPD on July 18-19 at Jakarta, in
relation to the political process of health
law amendment. The participants were
parliamentarians, public relation officers
and health experts. The hearings led
to some inputs and recommendations
from the participants to accelerate the
process of amendment.
Anti-Trafficking Law Workshop
On July 12, the IFPPD organized
UNFPA-Indonesia officials: Mr. Zahidul Huque (right), Rep-
resentative, and Mr. Samidjo (center), Programme Officer,
at the monitoring visit
a workshop on “Policy to Prevent
Trafficking in Persons” at East Nusa
Tenggara. The workshop aimed to
increase the understanding and
knowledge of parliamentarians at
the provincial and district levels on
prevention against trafficking. Outcomes
of the event included the dissemination
of anti-trafficking law to the public,
allocation of a local budget for the
implementation of law and mapping of
trafficking issues.
Tobacco Control Law in the Making
To disseminate the information on the
urgency of having a national law on
tobacco control, IFPPD organized a
series of interactive radio talk shows
on tobacco control issues from June
21 to July 19 in Jakarta. The resource
persons in the talk shows were Ms. Rita
Damayanti from the Health Research
Institute of the University of Indonesia;
Mr. Farid Anfasa Moeloek, Chair of
the National Commission on Smoking
Control and former Minister of Health;
Mr. Tulus Abadi from the Consumers’
Organization; Mr. Atte Sugandi, MP; and
Mr. Hakim Sorimuda Pohan, MP and
Vice-Chair of IFPPD. The talk shows
were interactive, where listeners and
resource persons could communicate
through telephone calls and short
message services. Listeners hoped that
the same talk shows could be continued
to advocate to the public, and in general,
that they wanted to have tobacco control
legislation which could protect the young
generation from consuming tobacco
products.

Do not Ignore Family Planning MDG Officials Meet

Indonesian Parliamentarians
World Bank Warns Donors
A newly released World Bank report, in rural areas was a problem in many Jakarta, August 14: The IFPPD, together
“Population Issues in the 21st Century: poor countries. And of the estimated with the Indonesian parliamentarians
The Role of the World Bank”, warned 210 million women worldwide who – Ms. Mariani Akib Baramuli, Ms. Tuti
the developing nations, that the donors become pregnant every year, more than Loekman Soetrisno and Ms. Maryamah
and aid agencies are ignoring the ability 500,000 women die during pregnancy Nugraha Besoes – met with Mr. Minar
of family planning and contraception to and childbirth, and about one in five Pimple, Deputy Director of the Asia
boost economic growth and to reduce of them resorts to abortion because Millennium Campaign, and Ms. Erna
poverty. Donors have not lived up to of the poor access to contraception Witoelar, Ambassador of the Millennium
their promises to support family planning – 68,000 women die each year due to Development Goals (MDG) in Asia-
programmes in the poor countries. the unsafe abortions, 5.3 million suffer Pacific, to discuss on the national
As a result, the shortage disability and many face committee’s actions related to the
of contraceptive supplies being ostracized within their MDGs’ achievements, the establishment
poses a growing problem. own communities. of a parliamentarians’ caucus on MDGs
to bridge the parliament to the other
Global funds and initiatives According to the report, institutions, and the recommendations
have largely bypassed a factor limiting the of MDG-related laws.
the funding of family contraceptive supplies
planning – less attention is the inadequate state Parliamentarians to Fight Child
is being focused on the of logistics in many poor
consequences of high countries. Changing
Abuse in Uganda
fertility, even in those household behaviors are Kampala, August 29: The Uganda
countries that are lagging also recognized as vital for Parliamentary Forum for Children
in achieving the sustainable Population Issues in the 21st Cen-
tury: The Role of the World Bank
the increasing use of family (UPFC) signed a memorandum
population growth. High planning programmes. with the child-focused Civil Society
birth rates are strongly linked with Social and cultural factors such as Organizations (CSO) to promote the
endemic poverty, poor education, and the disapproval by the family and rights and support the policies favorable
high numbers of maternal and infant communities, and men’s roles in to children. To enable the children’s
deaths. deciding the family size can deter participation in all the issues concerning
women who are interested in the their welfare, the UPFC will act as a link
In the 35 countries of sub-Sahara region, family planning. Providers and even between the CSOs and the parliament
most women give birth to more than programmes may deny such care to the in providing regular information on the
five children. Also, getting birth control vulnerable groups, like the unmarried bills, debates and other issues related
supplies to the clinics and pharmacies adolescents. to children.

11
12
International Health Partnership
IPPF President Meets AFPPD on MDGs and Healthcare,
Secretary General a New Initiative
Secretary General London, August 22: The British Prime
of AFPPD and Minister, H.E. Gordon Brown, and the
P e r m a n e n t German Chancellor, H.E. Angela Merkel,
Secretary of the announced an international health
Thai Ministry of partnership designed to help achieve the
Public Health. A Millennium Development Goals (MDG)
dinner reception for healthcare - addressing healthcare
was hosted by and aid provision is now a ‘development
AFPPD and the emergency’. The partnership included
Planned Parenthood the major donor countries and key
Association of international agencies that help to
Left to right: Dr. Prat Boonyawongvirot, MP (Thailand), Secretary General of AFPPD and
Permanent Secretary of the Thai Ministry of Public Health and IPPF officials, Ms. Jacqueline Thailand (PPAT), reduce child mortality, improve maternal
Sharpe, President, and Ms. Raj Karim, Regional Director and attended by health, and combat HIV/AIDS. Ms.
Bangkok, August 2: Ms. Jacqueline officials from UNFPA, UNESCAP, Thoraya Obaid, Executive Director of
Sharpe, President of the International Planned Parenthood Federation of UNFPA, who had worked behind the
Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), America and other agencies. Mr. Montri scene to make this initiative a reality,
with Ms. Raj Karim, Regional Director of Pekanan, Deputy Executive Director welcomed the announcement.
IPPF, visited Thailand and met with Dr. of PPAT, briefed Ms. Sharpe on the
Prat Boonyawongvirot, MP (Thailand), programmes of PPAT in Thailand.
DATES TO REMEMBER
Australian Reproductive Health Alliance Gathering • Central Asian Parliamentarians
Conference by AFPPD in September
‘Let’s Talk About Sex’ 20-22 at Astana, Kazakhstan
Sydney, July 13-14: The Australian an opportunity for the young women • Final Review Meeting of Reproductive
Reproductive Health Alliance (ARHA) to discuss and explore sexual and Health Initiative for Youth in Asia in
organized a gathering, titled “Let’s Talk reproductive health (SRH) issues. The September 28 at Brussels, Belgium
About Sex”, for 100 young women from overall aims of the event were to achieve
across Australia. The gathering provided better SRH outcomes for the young • Wo m e n D e l i v e r I n t e r n a t i o n a l
people, to generate Conference in October 18-20 at
new knowledge about London, UK
the rights-based • 4th Asia-Pacific Conference on
approaches to SRH, Reproductive and Sexual Health
and to foster a better and Rights in October 29-31 at
understanding of the Hyderabad, India
current attitudes of
young people. Senator • Meeting of Asian Parliamentarians
Kerry Nettle and Hon. on Achieving the MDGs by AFPPD in
Ta n y a P l i b e r s e k , November 6-7 at Bangkok, Thailand
Shadow Minister for
ARHA officials: Ms. Jane Singleton (left), Chief Executive Officer, and Ms. Jenny Goldie Women and Youth,
• 5th Asian Women Parliamentarians’
(3rd from left), Manager of Policy and Advocacy. Senator Kerry Nettle (4th from left) and opened the plenary and Ministers’ Conference by AFPPD
Hon. Tanya Plibersek (6th from left), Shadow Minister for Women and Youth, together
with the participants session. in November 27-28 at Beijing, China

AFPPD Office Bearers Editor:

Chairman Shiv Khare
Mr. Yasuo Fukuda, MP
JAPAN

Vice-Chairpersons Secretary-General
Dr. Prat Boonyawongvirot, MP Assistant Editor & Layout Design:
(Vacant) THAILAND
FIJI Philip Nalangan
Dr. Guowei Sang, MP Deputy Secretary-General
Sen. Beksultan Tutkushev
CHINA KAZAKHSTAN
Mr. Lakshman Singh, MP
INDIA
Treasurer The AFPPD Newsletter is a sequential publication.
(Vacant)
Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoai Thu, MP PHILIPPINES Copies can be obtained by contacting:
VIETNAM
Chairwoman, the Standing
Ms. Hj. Aisyah Hamid Baidlowi, Committee on Women AFPPD: Phyathai Plaza, Suite 9-C, Phyathai Rd.
MP Ms. Steve Chadwick, MP
NEW ZEALAND
Ratchathewi, Bangkok, 10400, THAILAND
INDONESIA
Tel: (662) 219 2903 / 4
Chairman, the Standing th
26
Executive Director Fax: (662) 219 2905
Committee on Food Security E-mail: afppd@afppd.org
Mr. Shiv Khare
THAILAND On the Web: www.afppd.org
year
Mr. Shin Sakurai, MP
JAPAN