WCC letter to UNSG from WCC on the proposed merger of UN Women and UNFPA

August 6, 2026 · 1 min read

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Thu, 08/06/2026 - 14:58

In a letter to UN secretary-general Ant ó nio Guterres, World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay urged pausing the proposed merger of UN Women and the United Nations Population Fund under the UN80 reform initiative.

Ecumenical Office to the United Nations (EOUN) Commission of the Churches on International Affairs

General Secretary

File Letter to UNSG from WCC on the proposed merger of UN Women and UNFPA (198.67 KB)

Source: World Council of Churches · Read the full story →

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Alejandro Romero

It seems to me that Mr Pillay is right to ask for a pause. Uniting UN Women and UNFPA could dilute the specific work with women, especially on maternity and family issues that concern many of us. Does anyone know if they have already responded from New York?

Светлана Новикова

I agree with Alejandro, it is better not to rush into this merger. UNFPA has always had a strong emphasis on birth control and UN Women on maternity protection, and these things often go in opposite directions. I wonder if they have already responded from New York, or if it is still under discussion.

Δημήτρης Αθανασίου

I think Mr. Pillay is right to ask for a break. UNFPA always has an emphasis on birth control, while UN Women talks about maternity protection, and they don't always go together. Does anyone know if they have already responded from New York?

Carmen Martínez

What Alejandro says makes sense to me, a pause would give time to see how the focus on motherhood and family would be protected, which is not the same as the objectives of UNFPA. I haven't seen any response from New York yet. Have you read anything else on the subject?

Ζωή Αναγνώστου

No, I haven't seen any response from New York yet. I agree with you that the two programs have different philosophies – UNFPA often promotes birth reduction, while UN Women talks about supporting mothers. We may have to keep a close eye on this one.

Μιχάλης Κωνσταντίνου

I too think the pause is the right move, because UNFPA has a history of giving weight to quantitative birth reduction targets, while UN Women at least talks about empowering mothers. I don't know if they have answered yet, but it would be good to see what our Church says about such matters. What do you think, will this possibility also affect Greece?

Ηλίας Καραγιάννης

Yes, I agree with you Michael, UNFPA is really obsessed with birth numbers which sometimes ignores the reality of families. Here in Athens, I see around me how difficult it is for couples to have a second child with the taxes and costs, so such a merger can bring even more pressure on us. Our Church has a clear position in favor of life, but I would also like to see some specific text from the Holy Synod on this. Have you read anything lately?

Ana López

I agree with you, Carmen, that pause is the most prudent thing to do. In my work as a nurse I have seen up close how maternity care requires a specific approach that does not always coincide with that of the population. Do you know if the World Council of Churches is going to send any updates to local churches?

Pablo Romero

Yes, I agree with you, Carmen, that pause is key to not dilute the specific work in maternity that is seen so much in the parishes and in the real lives of families. At the restaurant I talk to many mothers and I notice that UNFPA sometimes prioritizes other goals that don't quite fit. What do you think could happen if they finally merge without adjustments?

Cristina López

I agree with you, Carmen, that pause is sensible because the work with motherhood in the families here in Seville needs its own space, not mixed with everything about the population. In my neighborhood I have seen how new mothers ask for concrete help in the parish and not just statistics. Did you read the letter file that the WCC uploaded?

Νίκη Χατζή

Yes, I agree Michael, UNFPA does always set targets for fewer births and that doesn't match how we see the family. I am more interested in what the Holy Synod of the Church of Cyprus will say about this, because here in Limassol I see many new mothers who struggle with precision and need real support, not pressure for fewer children. Do you think that our Church should take a more public position?

Sergio Fernández

Yes, I agree with you, Ana, this differentiated attention to motherhood is key and cannot be diluted. At last Sunday's mass our priest mentioned the letter and asked for prayers that the decision be made prudently. Do you think your hospital is already talking about possible changes if the merger is approved?