From 22nd to 24th May, the IPPF Governing Council (GC) met in London. The council discussed and adopted two resolutions proposed by the Resolutions Committee: one on UNFPA-IPPF Collaboration on Youth , and the other on Donor Support , which contains special thanks to the Japanese government for its continued support and assistance as IPPF's largest donor. The council was pleased to comment that resource mobilization for 2004 was 40% above what had been anticipated, partly since the UK had increased its grant to IPPF by 33% for the next two years. This is the first time in seven years that funding has not been cut.

The council noted that the Strategic Framework is being widely endorsed by stakeholders outside IPPF, with the "5 A's" representing a sound set of priorities, and that member associations in all regions are adapting their strategies to the framework, working on comprehensive plans at the country level. Furthermore, the Accreditation System has now been in operation for a year, helping to build capacity, and associations from Bulgaria, Lebanon and Venezuela were awarded accreditation by the GC. In addition, the electronic Integrated Management System (eIMS), which is operational across most of the federation, is successfully facilitating the collection and use of data for capacity building.

President's report

This GC meeting was the first since Nina Puri was elected IPPF President in 2003. In a report delivered to the council, Puri gave thanks to the staff supporting the volunteers of IPPF, and stated that volunteers had to do more at regional and national levels to mobilize resources. Further, volunteers need to ensure that the "5 A's" are culturally and appropriately operationalized at the country level. Puri also noted her advocacy for IPPF at the 25th March for Women's Lives in Washington D.C.

Update on ICPD + 10 activities

In partnership with many global NGOs, and with EU support, IPPF is undertaking a series of activities to mark the 10th anniversary of ICPD. The theme of the activities is Countdown 2015: Sexual and Reproductive Health for All, which includes a global roundtable meeting in London from 31st August to 2nd September. One activity will be a 'report card' assessing country performance on ICPD commitments along with strong advocacy messages.

Re-branding and communications

Discussions about marketing IPPF to better communicate its aims have been taking place. The Governing Council has agreed that funding be allocated to a Communications and Re-branding strategy, and a public relations team will assist in determining proposals to go to regional IPPF councils.

GC/05.04/RES/01 - UNFPA-IPPF Collaboration on Youth

The Governing Council welcomes the UNFPA-IPPF draft action plan following the Donor Assessment of Adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights in six countries. GC recommends that IPPF should continue to strengthen its important role in promoting adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights in cooperation with UNFPA and other international organizations and, in the process of implementing the action plan, should ensure the participation of young people at all levels.

GC/05.04/RES/02 - Donor Support

In this special year of ICPD + 10, the Governing Council wishes to express its sincere gratitude and appreciation to the Japanese Government for providing continuing support and assistance to IPPF as the federation's largest donor despite other pressing demands on its resources.

In light of increased donor support to IPPF, the Governing Council wishes to thank all its donors for their continuing generosity to the federation and their demonstration of confidence in IPPF's cause. The Governing Council also wishes to recognize the leading role of the European Commission in providing the initial funds for the global roundtable and regional activities marking the tenth anniversary of the UN International Conference on Population and Development.