The 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) articulated a bold new vision about the relationships between population, development and individual well-being. At the ICPD in Cairo, 179 countries adopted a forward-looking, 20-year Programme of Action (PoA) that continues to serve as a comprehensive guide to people-centred development progress.

The ICPD Programme of Action was remarkable in its recognition that reproductive health and rights, as well as women's empowerment and gender equality, are cornerstones of population and development programmes.

This 20th Anniversary Edition includes a foreword by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and an introduction by UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin. The publication includes Key Actions for Further Implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development, adopted at the 21st special session of the General Assembly, New York, New York, 30 June - 2 July 1999.