Statement: Commission on Population and Development

Statement by H.E. Ms. Anna Jóhannsdóttir,
Permanent Representative of Iceland to the United Nations,
Commission on Population and Development (CPD), 59th Session
General Debate
14 April 2026

 



Mr. Chair,

Iceland aligns itself with the statement delivered by Lebanon on behalf of a group of 56 countries and the Netherlands on behalf of the LGBTI core group. 

The International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in Cairo was groundbreaking. Its outcome document affirmed that inclusive sustainable development is not attainable without the prioritisation of human rights, including reproductive rights, empowering women and girls, and addressing inequalities. 

Gender equality is intrinsically linked to sustainable development. It is vital to the realisation of human rights for all – an aim wholly unreachable if women and girls are left out of the equation. Furthermore, access to sexual and reproductive health, education and services is not only central to the rights of women and girls, but a cornerstone of sustainable development. 

The progress we have seen on sustainable development and gender equality since the historical meetings in Cairo and Beijing over thirty years ago is now being called into question. The rights of women and girls in all their diversity are actively being undermined. 

Mr. Chair,

Iceland continues to be a steadfast supporter of sexual and reproductive health and rights. We see it as an important factor in our own social and economic development and the progress achieved in closing the gender gap. Cross-regional and broad support for gender equality and respect for human rights, including sexual and reproductive health and rights is crucial to the achievement of Agenda 2030.

Iceland is a strong supporter of UNFPA’s mandate and as a testament to our continued commitment, we have doubled our core contributions to UNFPA over the past two years. Iceland is also proud to support their joint programme with UNICEF on the elimination of female genital mutilation – a serious form of gender-based violence and a grave human rights abuse. The programme has contributed to a reduction in the global prevalence rate of FGM, but that progress is now under threat with the increase of harmful digital discourse justifying FGM. 

We must all do our part to increase the focus on sexual and reproductive health and rights without discrimination. We must also accelerate progress to achieve universal access to sexual and reproductive health information, education and services, including comprehensive sexuality education and access to safe and legal abortion. 

Chair, 

The human rights of all people, regardless of gender, gender identity or sexual orientation, is key to releasing the true potential of society. 

You can count on Iceland’s continued steadfast support for the full realisation of the ICPD promise and the outcome of its global and regional reviews and conferences. 

I thank you.