Devex: Abortion, LGBTI rights stir emotions on eve of Nairobi summit
“In the lead up to a major global United Nations conference on reproductive and sexual health in Kenya, topics such as abortion, LGBTI rights, and contraceptives for adolescents have stirred controversy among faith communities and conservative advocacy groups. These reactions to the summit illustrate some of the challenges that health professionals face in expanding access to services for women and girls globally…” (Jerving, 11/12).

Thomson Reuters Foundation: Kenya hosts global sexual health summit amid protests from Catholics, pro-life groups
“…More than 6,000 participants — including heads of state, government ministers, financial institutions, donors, and civil society groups — from 160 nations are due at the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in Nairobi. The three-day meeting will focus on issues ranging from maternal deaths and child marriage to sex education and female genital mutilation. But the Holy See, as well as local faith-based groups and pro-life campaigners, have criticized the gathering that starts on Tuesday…” (Bhalla, 11/11).

U.N. News: 25 years on from landmark conference, millions of women and girls still in danger: U.N. deputy chief
“The U.N. Deputy Secretary-General has called for gender equality, women’s empowerment, and women’s rights to be integrated at the heart of global efforts to achieve a sustainable future for all. Amina Mohammed was speaking on Monday in Nairobi, where countries are meeting this week to mark 25 years since the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD). … Ms. Mohammed acknowledged that although ‘significant gains’ have been made since its adoption, progress is fragile and millions are being left behind…” (11/11).

Additional coverage of the conference and related announcements is available from Xinhua (2).