World Population Foundation: Fighting Poverty Through Reproductive Health
The World Population Foundation (WPF) was established to address the critical intersection between rapid population growth and global poverty. Founded in 1987 in the Netherlands by Diana and Roy W. Brown, the organization was created to highlight how high birth rates impact maternal and infant mortality, local communities, and the natural environment.
By raising funds for targeted population projects and programs, the WPF seeks to improve the quality of life for the world's most impoverished populations, recognizing that sustainable development is closely linked to reproductive health.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1987 in the Netherlands by Diana and Roy W. Brown.
- Primary Goals: Reducing maternal and infant mortality and improving sexual and reproductive health and rights.
- Core Framework: The Cairo Programme of Action, adopted during the International Conference on Population and Development.
- Major Merger: Merged with Rutgers Nisso Groep on January 1, 2011, to become Rutgers WPF.
- Leadership: Former board members included Nafis Sadik; the merged entity was chaired by Bert Koenders.
Evolution and Strategic Growth
During its first several years, from 1987 to 1994, the WPF operated as a small organization. Its early activities were primarily funded through consultancy assignments and generous donations from its founders.
A pivotal moment occurred in 1994 when the WPF played a significant role in the Dutch delegation at the International Conference on Population and Development held in Cairo, Egypt. This conference resulted in the adoption of the Cairo Programme of Action, a landmark document that continues to serve as the operational foundation for the WPF's initiatives.
Core Missions and Global Advocacy
The WPF focuses on the belief that improving sexual health and reproductive rights is a fundamental step in the global struggle against poverty. By reducing maternal and infant mortality, the organization aims to create healthier, more stable communities.
To ensure these priorities remained on the global stage, the WPF advocated for the integration of reproductive health and rights into the United Nations' Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which were a set of eight measurable targets to be achieved by 2015.
| Period/Event | Key Detail |
|---|---|
| 1987 | Founded by Diana and Roy W. Brown in the Netherlands. |
| 1994 | Participation in the Cairo Conference; adoption of the Cairo Programme of Action. |
| 2006–2009 | Nafis Sadik (former UNFPA executive director) served as a board member. |
| 2011 | Merged with Rutgers Nisso Groep to form Rutgers WPF. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded the World Population Foundation?
The organization was founded in 1987 by Diana and Roy W. Brown in the Netherlands.
What is the primary objective of the WPF?
The WPF aims to reduce world poverty and improve the quality of life for the poorest people by addressing high birth rates and improving maternal and infant health, as well as sexual and reproductive rights.
What is the Cairo Programme of Action?
It is a framework adopted at the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development in Egypt, which serves as the foundation for the WPF's work.
What happened to the WPF in 2011?
On January 1, 2011, the World Population Foundation merged with Rutgers Nisso Groep to create a new organization called Rutgers WPF.
Who chaired the merged Rutgers WPF?
The chair of Rutgers WPF was Bert Koenders, who previously served as the minister for Development Cooperation of the Netherlands.