On 8 May, Sultan Aziz, Director, UNFPA Asia and Pacific Division (APD), met with JOICFP, the Asian Population and Development Association, AUICK and NUPRI in Tokyo to brief the NGOs on the development of the UNFPA’s strategic framework and the next regional program cycle.

Aziz emphasized that reproductive health, population and development, and gender remain central tenets of the UNFPA, but that more focused efforts are required to enhance implementation in countries, and to ensure country policies reflect internationally agreed population and development policies.

UNFPA, he said, wants to build the capacity of governments, including human resources, to implement and deliver on these agreements, as well as strengthen South-South regional cooperation to achieve the ICPD Goals.

Under the "One UN" system, Aziz stated that UNFPA would take advantage of new opportunities, while at the same time focusing on measurable results and accountability.

(A draft of UNFPA’s Strategic Plan 2008-2011 can be found here)

Aziz also outlined the outcomes of the Multi-year Funding Framework (MYFF), under the three key areas of population and development, reproductive health, and gender, designed to support the ICPD Program of Action and the MDGs.

(A draft of MYFF cumulative report on UNDP performance and results for 2004-2006 can be found here)

Aziz in discussions with JOICFP

In discussions with JOICFP, Aziz discussed JOICFP’s areas of expertise and possible future collaboration.

One of JOICFP’s strengths is in communication skills (BCC and advocacy) capacity building of national partners, including strategy and tool development, as well as knowledge and experience sharing through documentation.

JOICFP also has rich experience at the community level, which supports the practical application of technology and knowledge.

Aziz requested continued partnership with JOICFP in further strengthening UNFPA country programs in the region, as well as advocating in Japan for support to reproductive health worldwide.