Presented Norwegian efforts on women's health

The first panel discussion was moderated by UNAIDS, a UN programme for combating HIV/AIDS, and focused on how to optimally involve young women, not least young women living with HIV, in efforts to uphold the sexual and reproductive health and rights of women in the context of HIV.

As part of her remarks in the discussion, the Crown Princess chose to give the floor to three of the young women she had met with during the youth pre-conference on Monday, 27 May. The women presented three points of special importance:

• The need for information via mandatory sex education in schools;
• The need to invite young people to participate in fora as a genuine resource, not merely as symbolic representatives of a particular group;
• And finally, the need to speak together across generational boundaries in families in order to dismantle cultural barriers that prevent women around the world from making decisions concerning their own body.

Investing effort in girls

Later in the day, Crown Princess Mette-Marit took part in a session moderated by the organisation Population Services International (PSI), which featured high-level participants from the global health sector.

In her remarks, the Crown Princess stressed the importance of cooperation across traditional dividing lines, not least between the authorities and the business sector. In this connection, she lauded Norway's efforts to reduce mother and child mortality worldwide.

Reception

The Crown Princess also attended a luncheon hosted by the prime minister’s wife, Datin Paduka Seri Rosmah Mansor, as well as a reception hosted by Women Deliver. Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Mary of Denmark was in attendance as well.