UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled.UNFPA expands the possibilities for women and young people to lead healthy and productive lives.

Since UNFPA started working in 1969, the number – and rate – of women dying from complications of pregnancy or childbirth has been halved. Families are smaller and healthier. Young people are more connected and empowered than ever before.
 

UNFPA works in more than 150 countries and territories that are home to the vast majority of the world’s people.  Its mission: to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person’s potential is fulfilled. Guided by the 1994 Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), UNFPA partners with governments, civil society and other agencies to advance its mission. The ICPD Beyond 2014 Global Report, released in February 2014, revealed how much progress has been made and the significant work that remains to be done. The actions and recommendations identified in the report are crucial for achieving the goals of the ICPD Programme of Action and its linkage with the post-2015 development agenda.The work of UNFPA is based on the premise that all human beings are entitled to equal rights and protections. We focus on women and young people because these are groups whose ability to exercise their right to sexual and reproductive health is often compromised.Our work on their behalf is informed by an understanding of population dynamics, human rights and cultural sensitivities.