Canberra/Bangkok, 07 August 2023 - The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, Mr. Björn Andersson, visited Australia to introduce UNFPA's flagship 'State of World Population' report, which was officially launched in Brussels earlier this year. The event, held today in Canberra, garnered significant attention from parliament members, and was coordinated by Family Planning Australia and the Australian Parliamentary Group on Population and Development. 

Titled ‘8 Billion Lives, Infinite Possibilities: Reimagining Rights and Choices’, the publication calls for a paradigm shift in how countries approach population dynamics. With governments increasingly crafting policies to influence fertility rates – whether to increase, decrease, or maintain them – the report emphasizes the need to move beyond simplistic narratives around population sizes.

By urging governments and the media to adopt a more nuanced perspective, the report underscores that attempts to manipulate fertility rates, based on concerns of having 'too many' or 'too few' people, often prove ineffective and can undermine the fundamental reproductive rights of women.

The report's central theme resonates universally as nations grapple with demographic transformations. This holds especially true for the expansive and demographically diverse Asia-Pacific region, which is home to more than half of the world's 8 billion population. Across the diverse region, some countries continue to experience population growth, while other countries navigate population declines and are witnessing ageing societies with higher proportions of elderly citizens.

Speaking to the parliamentarians, Mr. Andersson said, "Population policies must not focus on fertility rates or numbers. Instead, policies must revolve around the core principles of gender equality and the accelerated advancement of women's empowerment, so that every woman can independently decide on whether to have children, and if so, how many and when."

The discussion around the report took place at the prestigious Parliament House in Canberra. Mr. Andersson presented the report's findings, recommendations, and relevance to the Asia-Pacific region, along with Ms. Catherine Breen Kamkong, Technical Advisor on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights for UNFPA Asia-Pacific, and Ms. Ana Marie Leal, Humanitarian Specialist for UNFPA Pacific. The discussions included a focus on how women's sexual and reproductive health and rights can continue to be upheld during humanitarian crises. 

"I am honored to represent UNFPA in the dialogue surrounding this timely report, especially as we face increasing and intensifying climate crises across the region. Australia is a dedicated and longstanding partner of UNFPA, and the commitment in promoting sexual and reproductive health and rights for women and girls, including during humanitarian emergencies, is commendable. I extend my gratitude to the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the esteemed members of the Parliament for affording me this opportunity to discuss the importance of women's rights and choices. Together, in partnership with Australia, UNFPA aims to further propel the cause of sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender equality, and resilience, both in normalcy and during crises," articulated Mr. Andersson.

With its consistent and generous support, Australia has emerged as a pivotal strategic collaborator for UNFPA. Beyond extensive multi-year core funding, Australia provides project-based assistance for humanitarian endeavors globally and across the region, particularly in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Philippines, Iran, Lao, and the Pacific Islands. 
 

Notes to editors

The State of World Population report is UNFPA’s annual flagship publication. Published yearly since 1978, it shines a light on emerging issues in the field of sexual and reproductive health and rights, bringing them into the mainstream and exploring the challenges and opportunities they present for international development. 

As the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, UNFPA helps people obtain contraception and life-saving reproductive health services and information and empowers women and girls to make informed decisions about their bodies and lives.

The UNFPA State of World Population report 2023, 8 Billion Lives, Infinite Possibilities: the case for rights and choices can be accessed here: www.unfpa.org/swp2023 

For more information about UNFPA, please visit: www.unfpa.org 

For interviews or more information, please contact:
Iman Morooka: morooka@unfpa.org, +66 62 581 3683
Randima Jayasinghe, jjayasinghe@unfpa.org, +66 65 984 9482