Today, people across the world have expressed their sadness at the sudden passing of Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, Executive Director of UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund. He was 68 years old. (UNFPA)
With his passing, we pause to remember the countless contributions of Dr. Osotimehin to the empowerment of young people, in particular by standing up for the human rights and dignity of vulnerable adolescent girls around the world.
Dr. Osotimehin proudly led the Fund’s efforts to partner with young people in over 150 countries and territories around the world promoting their participation and leadership, enabling them to overcome barriers, spearhead innovations, and unleash their full potential.
Highlights of Dr. Osotimehin’s legacy working for and with young people:
Investing in young people:
“A sustainable future depends on having resilient populations, which cannot be achieved without investments in young people.”
On World Population Day in 2014, Dr. Ostotimehin also said, “We and our partners are seeing how critical early investments in sexual and reproductive health can enhance the lives of young people and the welfare of their societies.”
Read more: http://www.un.org/youthenvoy/2014/07/on-world-population-day-unfpa-calls-for-investment-in-youth/
Protecting millions of girls from child marriage:
“Choosing when and whom to marry is one of life’s most important decisions. Child marriage denies millions of girls this choice each year.”
Dr. Osotimehin on the launch of the UN initiative in 2016 to protect girls from child marriage. Read more: http://www.un.org/youthenvoy/2016/03/new-un-initiative-aims-to-protect-millions-of-girls-from-child-marriage/
Standing Up for Young People’s Health and Well-being:
“The ability of women and girls to exercise their basic human rights, including their right to sexual and reproductive health, is a prerequisite for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.”
Dr. Osotimehin on International Womens Day, 8 March 2017: http://unfpabgd.org/index.php?option=page&id=150&view=news&Itemid=999
Championing Youth for Peace:
“We have a global resource that until now has been largely overlooked, and it has nothing to do with science or technology. It’s is the world’s young people who hold tremendous potential, if given the chance, to build more equitable societies and actively counter violence and extremism.”
Dr. Osotimehin on the adoption of the historic UN Security Council Resolution 2250 on Youth, Peace, and Security. Read more: http://www.un.org/youthenvoy/2015/12/executive-director-united-nations-population-fund-unfpa-resolution-2250/
Prioritising Young People in Humanitarian Settings:
“If we want effective humanitarian action, we must embrace the full participation and priorities of young people. If we want a stable and sustainable future, we can no longer afford to leave young people behind.”
Dr. Osotimehin on the launch of the Youth Compact for Humanitarian Action in 2016. Read more: http://www.un.org/youthenvoy/2016/09/ipi-panel-humanitarian-action-must-youth-participation/
Supporting Youth Rights:
“To empower young people means giving them the tools to become even more influential, productive actors in their societies. In order to achieve this, countries need to end all forms of discrimination faced by young people.”
Dr. Osotimehin on International Youth Day 2016. Read more: http://www.unfpa.org/press/young-people-and-road-2030#sthash.lQGWjTRg.dpuf
At this moment of sorrow, let us give thanks to Dr. Osotimehin’s life of service, commitment and leadership to advancing the lives of young people the world over. A book of condolences has been set up at the United Nations Visitors Entrance at 46th Street and 1st Avenue. Condolences can also be shared at Dr. Osotimehin’s Facebook page.
UNFPA mourns the passing of Executive Director