International Dialogue on Population and Development in Berlin

The German Foundation for World Population (DSW) invited more than 200 international representatives from Politics, the Corporate sector as well as delegates from civil society and churches, to take part in the 7th International Dialogue entitled 'Exploring Cultural Diversity and Gender Equality: Towards Universal Access to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights'. Co-hosted by the German Development Ministry, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) GmbH, InWent, der International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), the development Bank KfW and Bayer Schering Pharma AG, the meeting offered the participants a platform to discuss sexual and reproductive health and rights within a Culture, Gender and human rights context. Key note speeches were held by Thoraya Obaid, Executive Director of UNFPA as well as Erich Stather, State Secretary in the Development Ministry.

Find out how DSW cares about reproductive health.

Launch of 'Global Population Award for Excellence in Journalism'

On October 1st, DSW launched the 'Global Population Award for Excellence in Journalism' which aims to recognise outstanding articles that foster public understanding of the necessity to manage the rapid population growth in developing countries in order to achieve the UN Millennium Development Goals. Articles for consideration must have been published either in a German newspaper or an online media source (in German language) between December 1st 2007, and November 30th 2008.All applications will automatically be included in the 'European Journalist Award for Excellence in Journalism'. This European award is launched for the first time by DSW and its partners in the project Reproductive Health Matters, funded by the European Commission. Closing date for applications is November 30th. 

For more information, please visit the web site.

Euromapping Findings Reveal Cut in European Funding

At a press briefing in Brussels on September 29th, DSW and the European Parliamentary Forum on Population and Development (EPF) presented findings of Euromapping 2008, a review of European development assistance and contributions to sexual and reproductive health. DSW and EPF urged European Development Ministers meeting in Bordeaux, France, to increase funding for reproductive health and family planning. At the briefing, Member of the European Parliament Anne Van Lancker discussed the Parliament's concerns about women's participation in emerging methods of delivering aid, and UNFPA's Brussels office director, Sietske Steneker, described the tragedy of unmet need impeding progress on MDG 5 (maternal health).