Natalia Kanem: honoring a leadership of courage and commitment

Last month, on 15 July 2025, Dr Natalia Kanem stepped down after two terms from 2017 as the Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the sexual and reproductive health agency of the United Nations. Given the pre-eminent role that she played in driving the most endearing principles of women and health development at some of the most critical and difficult times, the Journal considers that it is appropriate and befitting to pay tribute to this leading international development entrepreneur and social change advocate.