2026 United Nations Population Awards Ceremony

Good afternoon, Excellencies, colleagues, friends.
Good afternoon to this really joyous and wonderful occasion.
I am the chairperson of the committee, Ambassador Walton Aubrey Webson of Antigua and Barbuda.
Before we get into the ceremonies, I want to greet you with a couple of remarks.
Excellencies, distinguished guests, our very special distinguished laureates, ladies and gentlemen.
We stand here at a critical juncture.
The post 2030 is e, which is being defined by a demographic reality that is as challenging as it is transformative.
Colleagues, on one hand, regions with youthful energy and rapid population growth are creating the workforce of the future.
While yet on the other hand, aging societies are rewriting the rules of the social contract.
Friends, this is being done with effective responses to these demographics.
Opportunities require strong adherence to rights based approaches.
Along with accelerated investment with respond to the needs of this ever changing world, investment in infrastructure, investment in education and in health care that supports people throughout our life course.
Friends, there is no room for complacency.
When these shifts intercept with the climate crisis, mass urbanization and the urgency of the sustainable development goals, we realize the urgency of the moment and that we cannot manage these uneven changes and challenges in isolation.
Excellencies, we must do so together.
This also means, colleagues, friends, it means that learning from what works and how we can accelerate progress.
Today, we celebrate efforts that makes a difference.
We honor the 2026 laureate Professor Gay.
It was my privilege and my honor just now to meet him.
And the work that he has been doing, he has turned challenges, they have seen into solutions.
I pause here to say again to the professor and his team, congratulations.
He's seen beyond obstacles towards a better future for those they served.
Their work has been championing, maternal health, transforming medical care and building local capacity is the bedrock of the demographics resilience we see and recognize.
It has proven that when we safeguard human dignity, We build sustainable societies.
I call upon all of you, governments, civil society, academia, and the private sector to keep this momentum alive.
I encourage you to bring the contribution of others innovation and change changemakers to the attention of the committee here for the United Nations Population Award through the nomination process.
We want to recognize these people for their work to humanity.
We want to recognize these contributions for bringing dignity to humanity.
I thank you.
Now we move into the more formal, ladies and gentlemen, it is time now to celebrate and honor those exceptional individuals who have made a significant impact in our world.
In 2026, the committee consisted of eight member states, notably my own country, Antigua and Barbuda, Belgium, the Republic, maybe we should if there's the representative from the countries, maybe you can stand so we can recognize you as well.
My own country, Antigua Barbuda, and my colleague and close friend, Belgium, the Republic of Bulgaria, the Republic of Burundi, the Republic of Cyprus, the Gambia.
Guatemala, and the Islamic Republic of where is that I'm missing? Sorry? Of what, sir? Mauritania, along with the United Nations Population Fund representatives, UNFPA, the United Nations Department of Economy and Social Affairs, DSA, the representatives as well as they are represented on the committee as ex officio members.
I recognize that many of these people are in attendance and therefore, I want to personally thank you for your contribution to this afternoon's event.
The committee selected this year's laureate from a pool of eight candidates in the individual category and seven candidates in the institutional category.
I can say, as they say in Antigua, without fear or without fear or favor, they say, I can say on behalf of the members of the committee that it was an honor to be involved here and to be part of this with such an important task.
It was a hard task to selecting these laureates.
On behalf of the committee, let me once again very warmly congratulate the laureates of 2026.
The United Nations Population Award for individual categories.
Professor Gay, congratulations.
And the professor represent the institutions and foundation.
I And I am going to chop up some of these names here.
Action with the he gets the prize of prizes being received by the for the institution award.
We got the Her Excellency, the very first Lady of the wonderful country of Burundi, and I want to congratulate you first.
Thank you, Madam, for your dedication and your work and the work of your foundation.
Thank you.
Thank you very much.
So I will now invite a dear friend and colleague whom I have had the honor of working with and knowing for some time, the new executive director of UNFPA.
And I want to congratulate Madam Keita again for being the newly appointed.
And I said I think this is your first award as director, right? Absolutely.
So congratulations again, and over to you.
President.
Mr.
Chair, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, ambassadors, distinguished guests.
Dear colleagues, all protocol observed.
It is a true honor for me to take the floor today on behalf of the Secretary-General of the United Nations through the following statement.
Excellences, distinguished guests, dear friends.
Demographic shifts are reshaping our world.
As populations age, birth rates fall, people migrate, and cities grow.
These trends require a collective response, particularly as they impact progress towards achieving the sustainable development goals and implementing the pact for the future.
To attain true demographic resilience, we must put the rights, dignity, and well being of all people at the heart of our development efforts.
This is not just a matter of policy, but also a moral imperative.
It means investing in measures to end preventable maternal death, securing universal access to sexual and reroive health, prioritizing essential and quality services for all, and empowering every person, including those living with disability to realize their full potential.
I extend my sincere thanks to miss Dianne Keita, Executive Director of UNFPA and to the award committee chaired by His Excellency, doctor Watson Alfonso Webson.
I am grateful for your leadership.
Today, we honor the 2026 laureates, Professor Seren Maggi, whose clinical excellence and humanitarian dedication have transformed medical care across Africa and Fundacion Bonion Umugia Nesa, which has championed maternal health while building local capacities.
Let us take inspiration from their accomplishment.
Together, we can safeguard the dignity and health of every individual while building peaceful and sustainable societies for current and future generation.
I thank you.
Giving the statement on behalf of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, His Excellency Antonio Gutierrez.
And thank you very much, Madam.
Thank you.
We will now Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, we will now turn to a brief video on the contribution of Professor Gage.
The United Nations Population Award 2026, Professor Serene Magge of the Republic of Senegal, Laureate Individual category, Healing of Continent, the legacy of Professor Serene Magge, an obstetric and urologic surgeon from Senegal, whose lifelong dedication has transformed medical care across Sub Saharan Africa.
From the operating room to the global state, his work embodies the true spirit of humanitarian service.
He played a leading role in developing Senegal's national strategy for the elimination of obstetric fistula.
Through his tireless advocacy, he has trained fistula surgeons across more than 45 countries in Sub Saharan Africa.
To ensure his knowledge features the next generation, he developed a fistula video trainer for surgical simulation and authored a comprehensive, competency based fistula manual for the International Federation of Gynecology and obstetrics.
Despite his global influence, Professor Gaye's heart remains with the local community.
Driven to provide accessible care to the underserved, he converted his own house into a health center, founding the Arstiid Mensa Health Center in the Dakar suburb of er Bo.
Beyond maternal health, Professor Gay is a force to be reckoned with against threats to men's health.
He is the co founder and principal investigator of the men of African descent and carcinoma of prostate Network.
This groundbreaking initiative unites over 20 centers globally to study the genetic epidemiology of prostate cancer in African men.
His peers have repeatedly chosen him to lead.
He has served as the president of the West African College of Surgeons and the president of the Pan African Uurological Surgeons Association, while also advising on the World Health Organization's Expert Committees.
Congratulations, Professor Serene McGgey of the Republic of Senegal Laureate category.
I invite Madam Dean K, executive director of the UNFPA, to once to read the citation on the award for Professor Maggi in the individual category.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
It is my great pleasure to read the citation for the laureate in the individual category as follows.
The United Nations Population Award, an affirmation by the international community is presented to Professor Sarin Maggi in recognition of your role as a pioneer and master trainer in the surgical repair of obstetric fistula.
Your work as co founder and principal investigator of the men of African descent and carcinoma of the prostate Research Network in Africa, the Caribbean and the United States, your leadership in the development of Senegal's National strategy for the elimination of ostetic fistula, your service on expert committee evaluating fistula treatment project and cancer guidelines, and your contribution to training fistula surgeon across Africa and of citation.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
Thank you, Madam Director.
I will now invite Professor Ceren McGage to give a statement and once again, as the laureate for the individual award.
Professor.
Honorable Secretary-General of the United Nations.
Honorable Mr.
Webson, permanent representative of the Permanent Mission of Antigua and Barbuda, and chair of the Selection Committee for the United Nations Population Award.
Honorable Executive Director of UNFPA.
Your Excellency, miss Daishi, founder of the Bexion Umugza Foundation.
Ladies and gentlemen, members of the Diplomatic Corps, allow me in particular to mention the permanent representative of Senegal to the United Nations and a special mention also to Mr.
Chemo Modico, the distinguished permanent representative of Côte D'ivoire.
Who nominated me for this prize.
I would like to take this opportunity, Excellencies, to ask you to pass on my gratitude and my thanks to the President of the Republic of Côte D'ivoire, to the Minister for Women and the Family, to the Minister of Health, and above to the people of Courte Dvoi who opened their doors to me and who for many years allowed me to train and to work across the territory of Cortevoi.
Ladies and gentlemen, dignitaries, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, I am deeply touched and particularly honored to receive the United Nations Population Award in the individual category in 2026.
This distinction does not recognize personal or individual successes, rather, it highlights the work and the commitment of countless people who devoted their time and their skills to the development of resilient populations.
This is not merely a personal honor, rather, it is the recognition of the collective effort aimed at making health the foundation of our societies.
I accept this honor on behalf of all of those who think that a truly resilient population is a population that has health, autonomy, and dignity.
As I look back on my life, I have to recognize and pay a particular tribute to my late mother who left us around two years ago.
She played a fundamental role in my life and I thank her for having convinced my father and my oran teacher to allow me to go to school, even though no member of my father's family had finished primary school.
This made me and my sister the first in our families to finish secondary school, to get the baccalaureate, and then to go to university, Mama.
May your soul rest in perfect and gentle peace.
My thoughts also turn today towards my late son Muhammadu.
I know my son that you wouldn't have missed this ceremony, given that you were my number one supporter throughout my life and throughout your short but productive and intense life.
I love you.
May your soul rest in perfect peace.
My love and my gratitude go to my wife, Ramatu, to my children, Sheikh and Hadijatu, to their families, and to my grandchildren, Mohamed Fu, and to my brothers and sisters and my dear friends, some of whom have made the journey and are present here in this room and others who are watching us from afar.
I would like to thank my teachers at ran primary and secondary school, and also the universities of Senegal and the other countries where I had the privilege of continuing my studies.
The reason I pursued medicine is rooted in personal and family tragedy.
My father died when I was only 11-years-old.
My mother took him to the local hospital in the morning and in the evening, he was pronounced dead, leaving behind him a beautiful young mother with five children in her arms and without independence, without economic independence.
This experience taught me very early on that losing a person in a family is a heavy blow for the collective.
I made that decision to become a doctor age 15 not only to heal people, but also to contribute to building a strong and resilient population.
Within which avoidable tragedies would no longer blight families futures.
I would also like to express my gratitude to my father who gave us all of his love and his support over the years.
May his soul rest in perfect peace.
Throughout my professional life, I have always tried to be a change maker.
This mission to strengthen medical and surgical capacities began at home in Dhaka as the Professor of Surgery and urology at the medicine faculty of Sheikh Diop University represented here in the room, and as the founder of the Urology Service of General Adré Puyi Hospital, the Professor Diop is in the room and I would like to thank you.
There is also the National Academy of Medical Sciences in the room that I'm a member.
We established one of the most resilient residency programs in West Africa and doing so, we planted many seeds because the doctors trained there went to establish hospitals and lead hospitals and train doctors across the continent.
Now, we often talk about demographic trends in terms of figures, but real strength lies in health.
Sexual and reproductive health is not a secondary issue.
It is the fundamental driver of human potential.
Good health is the primary function of resilient populations, and it is by addressing these problems that the social fabric of our countries can be strengthened, be it treating prostate cancer, male infertility, sexual dysfunction, or addressing the devastating social and physical effects of obstetric fistula or lymphatic filoursis.
The goal has always been to allow families to regain their vitality and their dignity.
The campaign to put an end to obstetric fistula in Africa was waged tirelessly and it continues to be waged in cooperation with many organizations and stakeholders in Africa and beyond to raise awareness, to build capacities, and to offer surgical treatments so as to restore the dignity of women who were previously neglected, socially marginalized, and who are genuine pariahs.
Now behind each operation, there is a story.
There is Cdiso in Tambakunda in Senegal, who It was operated on four times and her treatment reminds us that the goal is not just to repair the tissue, but also to give people back their lives.
There is also a patient from the North of Benin who I remember.
She was 82.
She had had a fistula for 52 years since she gave birth to her son.
The son was the same age of me and for 52 years, she had carried that fistula that we were able to treat and God was kind enough to heal.
This reminds us of the clear importance of providing care to the most remote regions.
Lastly, I remember very well a patient from Chad who although she had been treated and was clear of her fistula, had to face significant social stigmatization because her vagina had been closed during multiple attempts to repair the fistula that she had gone through.
All she wanted to do was to get what she called her bahania back, that is to say, so that we could reopen that vagina, allowing her to have sexual relations once again.
Helping these women who we had the privilege of caring for in Africa and Southeast Asia to win back their lives.
That really is the true measure of success.
In addition to providing fistula care, these efforts also extended to assistance to the male population of endemic zones to combat lymphatic firesis and above all, allowing them to return to revenue generating activities.
This impact is seen in the stories of patients treated in many countries in Sub Saharan Africa who benefited from getting a second chance at getting back their health and returning to a productive life.
Each of these interventions strengthens the social and economic fabric of our countries.
To better contribute to community health, the Global Care Health Institute was founded.
This was the former IFR SF.
This is a non profit organization devoted to building capacities and to research in health care, notably in the area of sexual and reproductive health at the global scale.
In constant partnership with my great friend, doctor Albert Runs, who's here today with his entire family from Doylestow, Pennsylvania, a mobile unit, a mobile clinic was established in unbul and that continues to serve very underserved populations.
It was named in honor of my teacher and mentor, Professor Menser, and I bow down before his memory.
This prize is not just an honor, it also reminds us of the responsibilities that await us.
I commit to defending the values represented by the United Nations, the values of equality, of peace, of human dignity and rights for all.
By providing care for the individual, we also repair the community.
By guaranteeing reproductive health, we strengthen the very foundations of development.
When our populations are in good health and live in dignity, they become the architects of stable, peaceful, and productive nations.
Let us together face the challenge of building just such a future, a future where every life is valued and where every nation is resilient.
It is with this determination in my heart that I with humility and gratitude, accept this prize.
It will give me the energy I need to continue this work for the rest of my life and to always give back gratefully what I have gratefully received.
Thank you very much.
Thank you.
Professor Maggi.
And again, congratulations for the individual lawyer, but more so thank you for your outstanding work and contribution to humanity.
We will now turn our attention to the second category, the institutional category, and we will turn our attention to a brief video on the contribution of the foundation.
We're in action.
I'm asking you all forgiveness for saying this word at the end here.
Almost right.
The laureate in the institutional category, please.
The United Nations Population Award 2026, Foundation Bonxon Umugiranza institution category.
In July 2019, Her Excellency, Angeline Dai Smile, First Lady of the Republic of Burundi, established an important institution to bring hope to her nation's most vulnerable populations.
In 2022, the foundation inaugurated the polyclinic Uu Graneza, bringing crucial maternal health and obstetric fistula treatment care to Kibimba and the country's first fertility center directly to the rural heartland of Gatega province.
Championing women's health, the foundation expanded the Umouri Center to treat obstetric fistula and opened a medical center in Gzi dedicated to mental health and psychosocial support.
For children facing complex life threatening congenital malformations, the foundation has served as a vital lifeline.
Partnering with international hospitals in Italy and Uganda.
The foundation successfully financed the transfer and lifesaving specialized surgeries of 38 children.
Through its Zero malnutrition initiative for children under five and its support of the National School Food Program, it empowers the next generation by providing school materials and nutrition and forging international partnerships to bring digital education to Burundian classrooms.
Congratulations, Foundation Bonaon Umguanza, Laureate Institution category.
Thank you.
I will now ask again our dear friend, Executive Director, Madam Quiere, to read the citation.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
It is my distinct pleasure to read the citation for the laureate in the institutional category as follows.
The United Nations Population Award, an affirmation by the international community is presented to Fundacion Bon Umigraneza in recognition of your contribution to expanding access to critical health care services, your work through sac du Savoie, School which focuses on providing quality education, promoting nutrition, and raising awareness among young girls about the risk associated with early pregnancies.
Your support for the empowerment of women and survivor of gender based violence through the provision of refuge and vital support services, and your support for the establishment of a medical center in Gazi dedicated to mental health and psychological support.
End of citation.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
Thank you, Madam Director.
Thank you so much.
Colleagues, I will now invite Her Excellency, misses Angeline, the First Lady of the Republic of Burundi, and president of the Foundation, Ben Action Undelea to deliver her statement on behalf of the institutions.
Thank you.
President President of the committee.
Excellency, Madam Executive Director of the UNFPA, Professor Gay, distinguished ambassadors, permanent representatives, distinguished delegates.
Ladies and gentlemen, all protocol observed.
Good afternoon.
First and foremost, I give thanks to Almighty God for granting me the honor of standing once again in this prestigious United Nations Forum.
It is with profound emotion, great humility, and immense gratitude that I accept today the 2026 United Nations Population Award presented to the Fon Bon Ugarse.
This distinction is a tremendous honor for our foundation and for our country and for all the women and men who devote their lives to serving the most vulnerable.
Receiving this recognition from the United Nations is both a privilege and a responsibility.
It inspires us to pursue our mission with even greater determination.
I wish to dedicate this award to my husband, His Excellency, Major General Evariste Indias Mile, President of the Republic of Burundi, whose leadership and vision of people centered development continue to inspire our work.
I also dedicate this award to the people of Burundi and their courage, resilience, and hope remain a constant source of inspiration.
Since its establishment in 2019, the foundation Banko Umugiranz has pursued a mission guided by a simple conviction to place human dignity at the heart of development.
Our motto, preserving the image of humanity reflects our unwavering commitment to leave no one behind.
Over the years, this vision has been translated into concrete action In the fields of health, education, and social protection.
We have helped provide specialized care to women suffering from obstetric fistula, established the Ugurans Polyclinic home to Burundi's first in vitro fertilization center, developed psychosocial support.
And eye care services, and extended assistance to older persons, vulnerable children, persons with disabilities, and the most disadvantaged families.
We have also invested in the future by building a center of excellence with boarding facilities for children from disadvantaged backgrounds, awarding scholarships and encouraging young people to fully develop their potential through our national program called step by step well being for all.
We now implemented across all provinces of Burundi.
We also promote disease prevention and healthy lifestyles.
Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen.
This distinction reminds us of a fundamental truth.
Sustainable development cannot be achieved without investing in human capital.
Every woman who regains her dignity, every child who gains access to quality education, and every young person who rediscovers hope represents a victory for all humanity.
I wish to express my heartfelt appreciation to the Burundian authorities.
Healthcare professionals, educators, volunteers to our partners, and to the United Nations agencies, in particular, the UNFPA.
The United Nations Population Fund, the UNFPA.
I thank them for their trust and their support.
This award is not an end in itself.
It is a call to do even more.
Together, let us continue investing in women, children, young people, and all vulnerable populations.
Because investing in them is investing in peace, prosperity, and the future of our shared humanity.
May God bless Burundi.
May God bless the Fon daon Paxson Ugieza.
Thank you.
Thank you very much.
Her Excellency and First Lady of Burunddi for your contribution, for your work, of course, as president for receiving the award on behalf of the foundation.
Again, we thank you for this outstanding contribution you and your team make to humanity and to the dignity of the people that you serve.
Colleagues, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, we will now proceed to the presentation of the awards.
The individual award will be given first, followed by the institutional award.
I ask that guests remain seated when the awards are presented, after which we will continue to the closing of the ceremony.
Following the closing, there will be an opportunity for photographs with the laureates.
I will invite the laureates and the executive director of UNFPA to join me at the front of the podium.
So we will now proceed for the giving of the awards.
I Excellencies, distinguished delegates, honored guests, the chair of the committee of the United Nations Population Award, the permanent Representative of Antigua and Barbuda will now present the individual laureate, Professor Miguel Guy, with the Population Award Medal.
The Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund will now present the Population Award certificate to Professor Ngu Guy.
Congratulations.
Thank you.
Congratulations to the Laureate individual category of the 2026 United Nations Copulation Award.
Professor Sergean Maugu of Senegal, congratulations.
We will now transition to the presentation of the award to the Laureate Institution category.
The Chair of the Committee of the United Nations Population Award will now present the Population Award Medal to the First Lady of Burundi, accepting on behalf of the institution laws.
The Executive Director of the.
The Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund will now present the Population Award certificate to the First Lady.
Congratulations to the Laureate Institution category of the 2026 United Nations Population Award.
Congratulations.
I now invite the Laureate I category to join the chair of the committee, the United Nations Executive Director, and the Laureate Institution category for a photo and a round of applause.
Please join us at the front, Professor.
Congratulations again to both laureates on this momentous occasion.
I present to you the 2026 Population Award laureates in the individual and Institution category.
Congratulations.
Thank you so much.
We just ask that guests remain seated as the chair, the laureates, and the UNFPA Executive Director return to the podium for the closing of the ceremony.
Thank you, colleagues.
Congratulations.
Both laureates for receiving this prestigious award.
Excellencies, members of the committee, Distinguished laureates, I would like to take a moment to express our sincere very deep gratitude to each and every one of you for celebrating the 2026 United Nations Population Award ceremony with us here this evening.
I would like also to acknowledge the efforts of the committee members who have dedicated their time and expertise to ensuring a rigorous and fair selection process.
Further, I would also like to express my regards and thanks to the executive director of the UNFPA and her entire team who have worked behind the scenes to make this ceremony a success.
Thank you.
Thank you for your commitment and dedication and making sure this award ceremony is as meaningful and continues for years.
Friends, colleagues, Excellencies, the committee will issue a call for nominations for the 2027 round of deliberations and selections again for the next period of laureates.
We encourage all of you who are here to nominate individuals.
We encourage you to tell others so that they can nominate individuals or nominate organizations that have demonstrated transformative results and achievements in the field of population issues and development.
Together, we can continue to recognize and celebrate those who are making a profound difference in our world.
Before we conclude, colleagues, Excellencies, I would like to invite those of us seated at the podium, first of all, to assemble in the front of the podium for photographs with members of the committee for the United Nations Population Award.
Then I would also after that would like to um Of course, people who want to take photographs with their laureates.
I'm sure there is the opportunity to do so.
And then I will now say to all of you once again, thank you.
Thank you very much for coming.
I close this ceremony.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.