An additional constraint cited was the "lack of accurate, timely and internationally comparable data to provide the basis for a reliable monitoring" of the implementation of the Programme of Action. Lack of information on age structures, for instance, hinders the creation of policies and programmes addressing the particular needs of the elderly, as well as affordable, accessible and appropriate health care services, and support systems to enhance the ability of families to care for their elders.

UN Photo 153428

According to UNFPA's Field Inquiry, in Africa where monitoring would be most beneficial, only 13 countries, or 30 per cent, have taken substantial steps in establishing monitoring programmes. In contrast, 16 Asian countries, or 55 per cent of the continent, were reported to have taken substantial measures in establishing monitoring mechanisms.

Crisis-hit countries expressed their difficulties in coping with global economic trends; economic and financial crises were referred to as the strongest hindrance in Asia, as well as internal wars in Africa. Other obstacles include linking population and environment and development, migration and the population age structure. The ICPD+5 concluded that there is a need for increasing network among organizations, particularly non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and greater collaboration with the private sector and decision-makers. In the meetings, the presence of NGOs was found to be crucial to the monitoring and implementation of the Cairo agenda. United States First Lady Hillary Clinton said at The Hague that: "No longer are the discussions about global challenges or their solutions decided upon solely by government officials and policy makers. ...Non-governmental organizations have finally taken their rightful place at the table, in their own countries and international forums like this." She added that "the level of NGO participation in Cairo ... was certainly unprecedented, but it did set a standard that we have to continue not only to meet but to exceed".


Issues at the Session: the Question of Gender

When it came to gender issues, it was widely recognized that empowerment of women is a priority challenge. Among the key actions recommended by the final report, the Ad Hoc Committee of the Whole and the twenty-first special session of the General Assembly, Governments were called on to ensure that the human rights of women and girls are respected, protected and promoted through development, implementation and effective enforcement of gender-sensitive policies and legislation. The implementation of national population and development policies should continue to incorporate reproductive rights in accordance with the Programme of Action.

"Traditional male behavioural models must be recognized and challenged. Women's empowerment is imperative for gender equality and for achieving sustainable development", said Lise Bergh, State Secretary for Gender and Equality Affairs of Sweden. She stressed that gender equality "is at the heart" of the Programme of Action, and added: "It is important to realize that young people are living in a world where change is taking place at breakneck speed. On the threshold of an emerging millennium that will be theirs, young people have claims, expectations and hopes."

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