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UNITED NATIONSpokerdice, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Amid unequal progress in sexual and reproductive rights, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday urged expedited investment in the UN's population and development program of action.

In his message for World Population Day, observed annually on July 11, Guterres said this year marks the 30th anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) Program of Action, and must also be the year "we resolve to accelerate efforts and investments to turn its promises into a reality."

Central to the ICPD Program of Action is the recognition that women's sexual and reproductive health and rights are cornerstones of sustainable development, he said.

In the decades since the Program of Action was adopted, progress has been made, with more women than ever having access to modern contraception and maternal deaths having fallen 34 percent since Year 2000, Guterres said.

"But, progress has been unequal and unsteady," the UN chief said, noting that well into the 21st Century, around 800 women die needlessly every day in pregnancy and childbirth, the vast majority of whom are in developing countries.

As the theme of this year's World Population Day reminds us, investing in data collection is important to understanding problems, tailoring solutions and driving progress, and so is finance, he noted.

"Let's deliver on the ICPD Program of Action for everyone, everywhere," Guterres said, urging countries to make the most of the Summit of the Future in September this year to unleash affordable capital for sustainable development.■