PAI Statement on the Leadership Transition of Dr. Natalia Kanem at UNFPA
For Immediate Release
Media Contact
Katie Unthank
Director of Strategic Communications
PAI extends its deepest gratitude to Dr. Natalia Kanem for her visionary leadership as Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). Over the past eight years, Dr. Kanem has been a bold and unwavering champion for sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender equality, and the dignity of all people, particularly those who are too often pushed to the margins of society.
Her tenure was marked by steadfast commitment to advancing rights-based policies and programs, even amid growing political resistance and global crises. From fragile and humanitarian settings to global convenings, Dr. Kanem elevated the voices of women and girls and helped catalyze international action to protect and fulfill their rights.
“Natalia Kanem has led with integrity, heart, and fearless resolve,” said Nabeeha Kazi Hutchins, President and CEO of PAI. “She reminded the world that sexual and reproductive health and rights are essential, not optional. Her legacy is one of courage and meaningful partnership with civil society. We thank Dr. Kanem for her leadership and for standing up for girls and women everywhere. We will carry forward the momentum she has generated.”
As Dr. Kanem concludes her tenure, PAI remains committed to working with UNFPA and the global community to ensure that her legacy endures, and that the vision she advanced becomes reality for every person, in every community.
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About PAI
PAI is a leading civil society advocacy organization dedicated to advancing universal access to SRHR across the globe. For nearly 60 years, PAI has served as a credible source of information, a strong ally to in-country partners, and an unrelenting advocate for improved and expanded SRHR at the national, regional, and global levels. PAI works to advance its mission by propelling evidence-informed advocacy strategies in the United States and globally and supporting in-country CSO partners across nearly 40 low- and middle-income countries to advocate for increased access to sexual and reproductive health services and expand SRHR for all.
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