MINISTER DLAMINI TO LAUNCH REPORT ON THE INAUGURAL SEMINAR ON BRICS COOPERATION ON POPULATION MATTERS
Representatives of the Governments of the BRICS members met in Hazyview, South Africa, on 1 – 3 March 2014 at the BRICS Inaugural Seminar of Officials and Experts on Population Matters. They agreed to collaborate through dialogue, cooperation, sharing of experiences and capacity building on population related matters of mutual concern.
They recognised the vital importance of the demographic dividend to advance the sustainable development of their countries, as well as the need to integrate population factors into national development plans, and to promote a long-term balanced population and development. The demographic transition and post-transition challenges, including population ageing and mortality reduction were identified as amongst the most important challenges facing the world today.
The representatives confirmed their strong commitment to address social issues in general and in particular gender inequality, women’s rights and issues facing young people. They reaffirmed their determination to ensure sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights for all, and strongly encouraged collaboration between Member States in the International Conference on Population and Development beyond 2014, including as a means to contribute to the UN Development Agenda beyond 2015. The countries agreed to draw in this regard upon the knowledge, experience and expertise available in academia, civil society and the private sector.
After the meeting, a report was compiled by the Secretariat of the meeting on the substantive matters that were presented and discussed in the meeting. The report will be released as a resource document during the United Nations Commission on Population and Development side event, taking place at the UN Headquarters, New York on April 14, 2015.
Event programme
Welcome and purpose: Chairperson, Brazil
Introduction of the report: Chairperson of the Inaugural Seminar, Minister of Social Development, Ms Bathabile Dlamini, South Africa
Comments: Representatives of India, Russia and China
Vote of thanks: Secretariat of the Inaugural Seminar, International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF)
For media interviews with Minister Dlamini, please email Ms Lorato Moloisi at loratogo@gmail.com
