United Nations Foundation Mourns the Passing of UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin

United Nations Foundation President and CEO Kathy Calvin released the following statement today on the death of Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, UNFPA Executive Director and Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations.

“The world has lost a great leader who dedicated his life to saving and improving the lives of girls and women. Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin was smart, relentless, and courageous in advancing the rights and health of young people and women around the world.

“His passing is a profound loss for the United Nations and for people everywhere. His leadership will be missed, but his legacy will continue in the lives of those he changed. We can honor his memory by renewing our commitment to work toward a world where every girl and woman is in charge of her fate and future.

“On behalf of the United Nations Foundation, I send my condolences to our colleagues at UNFPA and to Dr. Babatunde’s family. I was honored to call him a friend, colleague, and partner for progress. He was a great inspiration and partner to the UN Foundation, and we will honor his memory by continuing to support the rights and health of girls and women everywhere.”

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About the United Nations Foundation

The United Nations Foundation builds public-private partnerships to address the world’s most pressing problems, and broadens support for the United Nations through advocacy and public outreach. Through innovative campaigns and initiatives, the Foundation connects people, ideas, and resources to help the UN solve global problems. The Foundation was created in 1998 as a U.S. public charity by entrepreneur and philanthropist Ted Turner and now is supported by philanthropic, corporate, government, and individual donors. Learn more at: www.unfoundation.org.