Fifth International Parliamentarians Conference on the Implementation of the ICPD Programme of Action (IPCI-ICPD)

On 24 and 25 May 2012 over 300 MPs from 107 parliaments are meeting in Istanbul under the auspices of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, to discuss the progress that the world’s governments are making in their efforts to protect and empower women in their reproductive health and rights.

The gathering is particularly crucial as the deadlines set for the implementation of the ICPD Programme of Action (2014) and the Millennium Development Goals (2015) are fast approaching. The international community must therefore act now to ensure that women’s reproductive health and rights remain high on the development agenda in the new framework that replaces them.

According to Tewodros Melesse, the Director-General of the International Planned Parenthood Federation: “IPCI is a crucial event. It brings together Parliamentarians from around the world to look at the best ways for advancing the implementation of the ICPD. Without the tireless efforts of these parliamentarians the ICPD PoA would be just another paper plan, but with them, and the incredible support they have shown over the years, this still visionary document has turned into a highly influential tool that has transformed the lives and well-being of millions around the world, particularly those that are most vulnerable.”

Following the event this declaration will be published on the conference’s website: www.ipci2012.org