Closing Remarks
by
Mr. V. T. Palan
Regional Director, IPPF-ESEAOR


Honorable Senator Shahani, Honorable Mr. Maeda, Honorable Members of Parliament, ladies and gentlemen.

On behalf of the International Planned Parenthood Federation, I am pleased to have been given the opportunity to say a few words at the closing ceremony of the 12th Asian Parliamentarians' Meeting on Population and Development. The International Planned Parenthood Federation which, as all of you know, is the largest international Non-Governmental Organization in family planning and reproductive health, which has members of 140 countries throughout the world, has always held the view that any significant progress in the field of sexual and reproductive health must have the support of parliamentarians. Without the commitment, both financial and programmatically, from parliamentarians, we will never be able to deliver our programs in our respective countries. The harder and more complex the task we undertake, the more critical becomes the role of parliamentarians in ensuring commitment and support nationally and internationally. It Is therefore a particular pleasure to note that this 12th Asian Parliamentarians Meeting on Population and Development has totally committed itself to promoting family planning and reproductive health concerns in Asia.

The theme of this meeting is "Women in the 2lst Century" and how they can be brought into the mainstream of economic and social development to ensure their prosperity and societal equality and peace. There can be no doubt that if we are to address reproductive health issues seriously, the obvious links between population growth and sustainable development cannot be ignored. And in addressing population growth, the pivotal roles women must play needs to be appreciated and promoted. We are particularly pleased to note that the Manila Resolution on Gender and Population covers the various dimension of the Issue.

There is no doubt that this document, unanimously approved by this meeting, contains several important and forward-looking strategies. The reaffirmation of equitable participation of women to solve population and social development issues is particularly timely. Undoubtedly, as this Manila document has emphasized, we need to concern ourselves with the question of women and health. In looking question of women, the need for all countries In Asia to allocate optimal resources to the education of women, must clearly assume the highest importance. Without educational opportunities to the highest level possible, there will be very little scope in empowering women and their legitimate concerns. Indeed, one could even say the once educational rights are in place and implemented, some of the health and reproductive health rights fall consequentially In the right context.