New York, 16 August 2022 (TDI): Dr Nafis Sadik, former Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the first woman to lead the UNFPA, passed away in New York. The UNFPA expressed condolences over the passing of a guiding force to the world in the realm of maternal and child health and family planning.
Statement by UNFPA
In a statement, UNFPA Executive Director, Dr Natalia Kanem expressed her deep condolences on the passing of Dr Nafis Sadik. Moreover, Dr Natalia described Dr Nafis as a proud champion of choice and tireless advocate for women’s health, rights, and empowerment.
We at @UNFPA join women of the world in mourning the passing of Dr. Nafis Sadik. It was an honour to follow in her footsteps.
My statement: https://t.co/AnKo4mujvx pic.twitter.com/nUfTflJinA
— Dr. Natalia Kanem /she/her/ella/ (@Atayeshe) August 15, 2022
Dr Sadik was a trailblazer who made immeasurable contributions to advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights, women’s leadership, and international development.
Moreover, Dr Nafis Sadik served as Secretary-General of the International Conference on Population and Development in Cairo in 1994 and created its ground-breaking Programme of Action. Additionally, her audacious leadership and vision in Cairo put the world on an ambitious course that continued through Beijing and the 1995 World Conference on Women.
Furthermore, she influenced the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and anticipated the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Lastly, the Executive Director, on behalf of UNFPA extended sincere condolences to Dr Sadik’s family, to the Government and people of Pakistan, to women around the world, and to all who are mourning her loss.
We are profoundly saddened to learn of the death of Dr. Nafis Sadik, Former @UNFPA Executive Director.
We extend sincere condolences to Dr. Sadik’s family, the people of Pakistan and all who are mourning her loss.
See @Atayeshe’s statement: https://t.co/G86koAVkl2 pic.twitter.com/kKkzlK8l0N
— UNFPA (@UNFPA) August 15, 2022
Highlights of Dr Sadik’s career
From 1977 until she was nominated executive director in 1987, Dr Sadik, who joined UNFPA in 1971, worked as the organization’s assistant executive director.
Along these lines, Dr Sadik raised awareness of the significance of addressing women’s needs. Moreover, she also highlighted including women as decision-makers and drivers of development policy throughout her long and illustrious career.
Additionally, Dr Sadik held the position of Special Adviser to the UN Secretary-General and his Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in Asia and the Pacific after retiring from UNFPA in 2000.
Additional condolences
The United Nations Foundation honoured the life of former board member, Dr Nafis Sadik. According to UN Foundation Founder and Chair, Ted Turner, Dr Nafis Sadik was courageous, innovative, humorous, and always steely.
In the same vein, Turner added that she left a lasting legacy at the UN Foundation. “She inspired and motivated us all, and it was an honour to serve on the UN Foundation Board by her side,” Turner added.
Moreover, Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDS expressed her profound sympathies with the passing of Dr Sadik.
So long Nafis. You fought hard and long for the rights of girls and women. You were smart and brave. I honour you. Rest in power! @UNFPA @UN https://t.co/uImvScgvlY
— Winnie Byanyima (@Winnie_Byanyima) August 15, 2022
