Since the beginning of June, 28 youth from across the Americas & the Caribbean, participated in capacity-building sessions about the Population & Development agenda, the instruments of international law that shape it, the key concepts on regional advocacy, and defined their advocacy plan to engage in the RCPD.

“Attending the CRPD session was incredibly enlightening. As someone from Grenada, it deepened my understanding of the rights and empowerment of individuals with disabilities who are unfortunately often ignored, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and equal opportunities,” says Lauriann, young volunteer representing the Grenada Planned Parenthood Association.

“The session also highlighted the intersections with race, the LGBTQ+ community, and the vital role of sexual health education in schools and households, promoting awareness and acceptance for a safe community. The insights and knowledge gained, along with inspiring stories heard, will guide me in advocating for a more accessible and equitable world in my region, and have solidified my commitment to contribute to this change.”

The participants also joined other youth from IPPF ACRO Youth Network at the Youth Forum, together with other youths, created a platform to follow up on the implementation of the Montevideo Consensus.

“For the youth of Argentina, it was a glimmer of hope. Even though our country did not participate with an official delegation, we were able to be present, visible, and engage with the international community,” shares Macarena, who is also a member of the ACRO Youth Network. “When we thought everything looked bleak, there was hope in exchanging ideas and experiences with different young people from all over the region. We felt accompanied despite the circumstances, and it seemed to me a great opportunity to know that we are the promoters of change. Nothing and no one are going to stop us from fighting and making our sexual and reproductive rights a reality.”

• Bringing Caribbean priorities forward

In the event “Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Access for Adolescents in the Caribbean”, an event organized by IPPF ACRO and the Caribbean Observatory on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), Members from Dominica, Grenada and Trinidad and Tobago, had the opportunity to share their main concerns and solutions to guarantee adolescents’ access to SRHR in the Caribbean region.

• Networking with the feminist and human rights movements

IPPF ACRO delegation joined feminist organizations and networks at the Civil Society Forum, to craft together a political declaration that urged governments to leverage gender perspective in crafting public policies to guarantee equal opportunities to women and all people with disabilities.  

• Sex work: the pending agenda

RedTraSex, RedLacTrans and ICW Latina, with support of IPPF ACRO, organized a side event to share insights on how sex workers rights’ have been continuously left out of the Population and Development agenda during the event “Progress and Challenges to Sex Workers’ Rights in the Montevideo Consensus”.

In general, the RCPD has proven to be a strategic space to connect with activists and groups that fight, as IPPF, to achieve SRHR for all. However, it is also an opportunity to make strong demands. To the call of “Our nation’s not for sale, our rights must be defended”, FunDheg, our partner in Argentina, joined organizations and activists in calling out their government officials, who have recently closed the Ministry of Women and the office of Prevention of Gender-Based Violence:

“The government, continuing its stance on women’s rights and diversity, chose not to participate in the RCPD, exemplifying the setbacks it is promoting. Meanwhile, civil society organizations presented a document to all participating delegations, United Nations bodies, and civil society, detailing the current state of public policies on gender equality, women’s rights, youth, and diversity, especially sexual and reproductive rights,” stated FunDheg. “Latin America and the Caribbean must know that feminism in Argentina is more alive than ever.  We are here to ensure that no one is left out and that the Montevideo consensus is a reality for everyone. The Marea Verde (green tide) is not stopping.”

The 5th Regional Conference on Population and Development has provided a strategic platform for IPPF ACRO and Membership to advance our advocacy for sexual and reproductive health and rights across the region. It has been an opportunity to connect with like-minded activists and organizations, share critical insights, and reinforce our commitment to ensuring the inclusion and prioritization of voices that are often not heard in spaces like this, such as youth, sex workers, women living with HIV, trans population and Caribbean voices. Our diverse delegation's participation underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving our shared goals.

However, the work is far from done. As we move forward, it is crucial that we continue to demand progress in the implementation of the Montevideo Consensus on Population and Development throughout our region. While significant strides have been made, relevant challenges remain.

Therefore, our commitment is to keep holding governments accountable and to push for comprehensive policies that truly respond to the needs and rights of all individuals, especially those who are often left behind. In this context, we call on all leaders to prioritize sexual and reproductive health and rights, implement legislative changes, and ensure access to high-quality SRHR services. It is time for action.