Good evening, everyone. What a truly remarkable evening this has been!
This celebration would not have been possible without Dr. Natalia Kanem, UNFPA Executive Director, who has honored us with her presence today. Natalia, thank you. I also want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to my dear colleagues: UN Resident Coordinator for India, Mr. Shombi Sharp, UNFPA Representative for India, Andrea M. Wojnar and her staff in the UNFPA Country Office.
A special word of appreciation goes to the incredibly talented Kriti Sanon. I recently enjoyed your charming performance in Bareilly Ki Barfi. Thank you for being with us tonight. Your dedication to promoting meaningful, empowering, and inclusive messages through your work as an actor, producer, and entrepreneur is both inspiring and essential. You have truly inspired all of us.

Distinguished Delegates, Dear Colleagues and Friends, 
As champions of the values that UNFPA upholds—rights and choices in sexual and reproductive health—it is a privilege to gather here tonight.
We are celebrating 50 years of partnership between the United Nations Population Fund and the Government of India. Five decades of dedicated service, tireless effort, and collective achievement. This milestone reflects our unwavering commitment to the 2030 Agenda, showcasing resilience and strengthening our drive for even greater progress.
I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Government of India, civil society, donors, and everyone who has contributed to this journey.
This celebration goes beyond milestones; it represents the human triumphs emerging from our partnerships — triumphs seen in stories of individuals making extraordinary changes. 
One such story is that of the 22-year-old Sanu and his friends from Bihar, who are leading a grassroots movement to challenge age-old taboos. Through open conversations and community engagement, they are dismantling barriers that have held back progress for generations. I encourage you all to read their story; it is filled with hope, courage, and inspiration.

Or consider the impactful film "50 Years and Beyond," which captures our journey toward advancing sexual and reproductive health, gender equality, and sustainable development in India.
As Kriti rightly stated, every individual has the right to make choices about their sexual and reproductive health. This fundamental principle encapsulates our mission and the very reason for our work.
As I conclude this evening, my faith in collaborative action is reaffirmed. We are reminded of the partnerships that have brought us here and will shape the future of this incredible country. 
However, as our dear Executive Director, Natalia Kanem, wisely remarked, while we have come a long way, there are still miles to go and much work to be done not only in India but also in the entire Asia Pacific region. Over the years, we have witnessed exciting advancements in education, employment, and healthcare. This region, comprising 60 percent of the world’s population, is rich in both experience and untapped potential.
Yet, despite these achievements, significant inequalities persist. Women continue to face alarmingly high maternal mortality rates, with many countries reporting that less than 30 percent of women of reproductive age use contraception. Unemployment among young women remains a pressing issue, and political representation is still insufficient. Additionally, the challenges posed by climate change, disasters, and technology-facilitated gender-based violence exacerbate these disparities, underscoring the urgency for action.

As we strive to accelerate the realization of the ICPD, we must collectively develop and implement comprehensive strategies that specifically address these pressing concerns, ensuring that everyone, especially the most marginalized, has access to health, rights, and opportunities for a brighter future. We count on India’s leadership in this endeavor globally and in the region, and UNFPA stands ready to continue supporting these efforts.

Dear Friends,
As we celebrate the seeds of progress we've already sown and the countless victories yet to come, I invite each of you to stay the course. Let us continue driving this progress forward, shaping a world where health, well-being, and gender equality are realities for all.
I wish you all a wonderful evening. 
Dhanyavaad!