UNFPA

UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, is a United Nations specialized agency dedicated to sexual and reproductive health and rights, population data, and development. It was established in 1969 by the United Nations General Assembly and is headquartered in New York City. The agency's mandate is to ensure universal access to voluntary family planning, safe childbirth, and reproductive health services, while advancing gender equality and the empowerment of young people. Its work also emphasizes demographic data, census-taking, and population analysis to inform development planning.

UNFPA supports programs in more than 150 countries and territories, partnering with governments, civil society, the private sector, and other UN agencies to improve maternal health, expand access to contraception, prevent gender-based violence, and address adolescent health and rights. The organization also provides humanitarian assistance, integrating sexual and reproductive health services in emergency settings to reduce protection risks and improve outcomes for affected communities.

Funding for UNFPA comes from UN member states and private donors, and is allocated through core (unearmarked) resources as well as earmarked contributions for specific programs. Governance is provided by an Executive Board that oversees policy and program approval, with the organization operating within the broader United Nations system. Leadership has been held by Executive Director Natalia Kanem since 2017, guiding the agency’s work across development, humanitarian, and advocacy initiatives.