WGNRR mourns the passing of Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, ED of the United Nations Population Fund

We at WGNRR mourn the passing of Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund. Dr. Babatunde was a strong and invaluable ally in advocating for women and girls’ health and rights, including their sexual and reproductive health and rights. He was also a vocal champion of ensuring young people’s leadership and participation in the development and implementation of sustainable development policies and programmes. He and his team at UNFPA worked tirelessly with civil society over the course of ICPD Beyond 2014 Review and Post-2015 negotiation processes, to advance commitments related to women, girls, and young people’s health, rights and wellbeing. Our hearts are with Dr. Babatunde’s family, as well as our friends and colleagues at UNFPA. He will be deeply missed.

Dr. Babatunde at the opening of the 2012 Bali Global Youth Forum, along with (left to right) Mustafa Benalamlih, UN Resident Co-ordinator Indonesia; Rishita Nandigiri, WGNRR Board Member and GYF International Steering Committee co-Chair; Indonesia pop star Agnes Monica; Dr. Boediono, Vice President of Indonesia; and Rinaldi Ridwan, GYF International Steering Committee co-Chair. Photo Credit: UNPFA http://www.unfpa.org/fr/node/8138