Minister Bibeau welcomes delegates to Canada

Dear Delegates,

On behalf of all Canadians, I am pleased to welcome you to the 2018 International Parliamentarian’s Conference on the Implementation of the International Conference on Population and Development Programme of Action (IPCI/ICPD).

Canada first hosted this conference in 2002 and is honored to once again bring together Parliamentarians and representatives from regional, national, and international organizations to discuss pivotal issues facing the health and rights of women and girls around the world.

Canada firmly believes that if we want to maximize the impact of our actions and help eradicate poverty, we must passionately defend gender equality and the rights of women and girls so they can participate fully in society. To this end, Canada is fully committed to mobilizing global support for the sexual and reproductive health and rights of women and girls, a key commitment made in our Feminist International Assistance Policy.

We believe that focusing Canada’s international assistance on gender equality and the full empowerment of women and girls is the most effective way for our international assistance to make a difference in the world. Sustainable development, peace and growth that work for everyone are not possible unless women and girls, especially those facing a multiplicity of barriers due to intersecting identities are valued and empowered. This vision is the key to growth that benefits everyone, and it will also help us to advance the ICPD Programme of Action and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

As the global context evolves, Canada will continue to lead the discussion on gender equality and welcomes the IPCI conference as a key stepping stone towards hosting the world at the Women Deliver 2019 Conference.

I look forward to collaborating with you in the nation’s capital.

Yours sincerely,

Marie-Claude Bibeau

Minister of International Development