KATHMANDU: Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Natalia Kanem, arrived in Nepal today on a two-day visit.

This is her first official visit to Nepal since her appointment two years ago. The visit is aimed at intensifying the implementation of population and development promises made by UNFPA.

During her stay here, she will monitor the achievements by Nepal in relation to the Cairo vision as well as the government’s commitment to its full implementation by 2030.

She will also invite the government to participate in the Nairobi Summit on ICPD25 to be held on 12-14 November.

Kanem said Nepal has made momentous strides under the ICPD Program of Action in the 25 years.

She, however, added that it is high time that Nepal urgently addressed the unfinished business.

“The Rights to Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Act introduced in 2018 is a remarkable piece of legislation that is forward-looking and will certainly help accelerate efforts to achieve the goals agreed to in Cairo, goals which will be reaffirmed and recommitted to in Nairobi next month as well,” she said.

The UNFPA delegation is scheduled to meet with senior government officials, development partners, and other key stakeholders.

Kanem is accompanied by UNFPA Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, Bjorn Andersson, and UNFPA Chief of Staff, Pio Smith, according to the UNFPA.