UNFPA Azerbaijan marked the World Population Day 2006 On 11 July 2006, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), in collaboration with governmental stakeholders - Ministry of Youth, State Committee on Family, Women and Children Issues and the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, organized the photo exhibition "Young people in making changes in Azerbaijan" and the concert of young talented musicians to mark and commemorate the World Population Day (WPD) 2006. The photo exhibition was focused on youth initiatives and active involvement in society activities to generate and disseminate broad information on the significance and social message of 2006 year's WPD theme. The event was held at the State Philharmonic Hall. The Statements of the SG and UNFPA Executive Director, along with the photo exhibition catalogue have been distributed to the participants. The event was attended by senior government officials, members of the National Parliament, representatives of diplomatic corps, civil society, UN agencies, international organizations, private sector, universities, youth leaders, and mass-media. Mr. Marco Borsotti, UN Resident Coordinator, who is also a Representative of UNFPA in Azerbaijan, in his welcoming remarks highlighted the importance of this year WPD theme, "Young People". Mr. Borsotti also stressed the crucial role of youth in participation and involvement in development processes and policy making importance of investment in young people to promote social and economic growth, equal opportunities in education, health services, and economic participation for boys and girls equality as a guiding principle of the United Nations. Ms. Hijran Husseynova, Chairwoman of the State Committee of Family, Women and Children, in her turn expressed the gratitude to the United Nations, and UNFPA in particular, for the extended support and assistance provided to the governmental agencies, organization of the WPD event and providing opportunity to stress the role of youth participation and reinforce the youth involvement. In her speech, Ms. Husseynova stressed the crucial role of young people in the society, highlighted that gender equality should be the main principal in country strategies and policies. "Expanding rights and opportunities for women and girls is critical not only for the well-being of families but also for the health of society and country's development", said the Chairwoman. Welcoming remarks were followed with the awarding ceremony of winners of the photo competition "Young people in making changes in Azerbaijan". Mr. Borsotti and Ms. Huseynova presented the certificates and the presents to the winners. The official ceremony continued with concert of young talented musicians - laureates and winners of music national and international festivals and contests. The event received the broad coverage in media and TV channels (more than 10 news-papers and 5 TV channels).

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