A three-day meeting of Asian-African Parliamentarians kicked off today in Ethiopia. Parliamentarians from several countries in Asia and Africa as well as one from European and Arab Forum are taking part in the meeting.  The meeting is being held under the theme “Enhancing the role of parliamentarians in the interlinkage between population issues and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”

Making an opening remark on the occasion, Honorable Abadula Gemeda, Speaker of the House of Peoples’ Representatives of Ethiopia noted that population issues were at the heart of sustainable development and that it would be unthinkable to realize the Sustainable Development Goals without their inclusion.

Mr. Faustin Yao, UNFPA Country Representative, saying on the occasion that the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda underlined the essential role of parliamentarians through the enactment of laws, adoption of budgets and ensuring accountability. “Supporting the health, rights and empowerment of women, girls and young people is central to sustainable development,” he added. 

The meeting will be deliberating on a number of issues including sexual and reproductive health and rights in emergency situations; demographic dividend and investing in youth; and food security and women’s empowerment.

The Asian-African Parliamentarians meeting is organized by the Asian Population and Development Association in collaboration with the House of Peoples’ Representatives of Ethiopia, the Japan Trust Fund, UNFPA and the International Planned Parenthood Federation.