It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing of UNFPA’s Executive Director, Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin. We express our deepest gratitude for his leadership and commitment to concrete change. Dr. Osotimehin brought a human side to the United Nations with his warm smile and reminders of what lay beyond the UN. He was always willing to listen, learn, and speak up for the human rights of women and girls. His words at the 50th Commission on Population and Development conveys his commitment to deliver on ICPD commitments: “We must remember that millions beyond these walls, in your countries and communities, are depending on real progress.”
As Director of Nigeria’s AIDS council, he put girls and women at the centre of response. As the Nigerian Minister of Health, he built alliances wisely and strengthened collective response. He also established comprehensive sexuality education as a priority for many country offices of UNFPA.
For all these reasons, he will be greatly missed. We appreciate all the support he showed to RESURJ over the years. RESURJ members are deeply sad to have to say goodbye and we would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to Dr. Osotimehin’s family and friends.