Pio Smith

@UNFPA Deputy Executive Director (Programme), a.i.

[Pio Smith @PioSmith_UN]

Honoured to be appointed @UN Assistant Secretary-General and @UNFPA Deputy Executive Director for Programme, ad interim.

I look forward to supporting @UNFPAChief in advancing our work for women and young people at this pivotal time for global development.

[UNFPA @UNFPA]

Young leaders are driving peace around the world.

But youth-led peacebuilding remains under-resourced.

This #PeacebuildingWeek @UNFPA Deputy Executive Director (Programme), a.i. @PioSmith_UN joined the Peace Circle to discuss how we can close the gap for a better future.

[Diene Keita @unfpachief]

As #UNPeacebuildingWeek begins, let’s remember that women & young people are powerful agents of change & critical partners for peace.

See how our work at @UNFPA protecting their rights & choices is essential to creating & sustaining peaceful societies: https://t.co/chF9OLg8KK

[Pio Smith @PioSmith_UN]

Thoughtful and constructive discussions at our Executive Board session last week. Grateful to Member States for their continued support and guidance as we forge ahead with our core mission: delivering efficiencies, driving local impact, and defending the most vulnerable.

[Pio Smith @PioSmith_UN]

Stop treating disability inclusion as an afterthought. Our care systems must move from outdated, medicalized models to Universal Design that puts autonomy and equity at the center. I was pleased to join this vital reflections at #COSP19 to help drive these critical reforms.

[Pio Smith @PioSmith_UN]

Women and girls of the Arab States deserve bold and holistic leadership. In Cairo, we just concluded our Regional Leadership Meeting. Teams are delivering, responding to realities, crafting the investment cases, and navigating the ever-increasing challenges. Focused and hopeful!

[Pio Smith @PioSmith_UN]

@UNFPA stands ready to further support essential SRH services and assist Sudan's recovery and rebuilding. We are delivering, and call on #partners to join us.

[Pio Smith @PioSmith_UN]

The resilience and strength of all Sudanese people, especially women and girls, is humbling and inspiring. Pleased to meet with Health Minister Dr. Heitham Mohammed Ibrahim and his team at #WHA to discuss strengthening our collaboration.

[Pio Smith @PioSmith_UN]

#UNFPAatWHA Fulfilling the health & rights of women and adolescents must be at the heart of Global Health Architecture Reform. SRHR & gender equality are foundational pillars. Success must be judged by improved health & wellbeing rather than diminishing institutional strengths.

[Pio Smith @PioSmith_UN]

We just landed in Geneva for the #WHA and saw bold political will in action.Learning about the sixfold surge in SRH commodity spending (now a record $68M) proves this is the smartest investment for women & girls.Huge thanks to Ghana, FP2030, and Unitaid for driving this momentum.

[Pio Smith @PioSmith_UN]

The Latin America and the Caribbean RLM ends full of energy and commitment. Our regional #leadership here is fully equipped and inspired to unlock demographic intelligence, shape smart #policies, and budgets to close equality gaps & secure rights. Their talent is truly admirable!

[Pio Smith @PioSmith_UN]

The Asia-Pacific RLM brought our leaders together with a shared commitment to innovation and shaping the future of the region. This was about empowering change-makers and driving excellence to keep making @UNFPA fit for purpose. We are delivering, we are leading the way!

[Pio Smith @PioSmith_UN]

High-level engagement and strategic partnership continue here in Skopje. 🇲🇰 We are focused on one goal: scaling up our impact. We are ensuring that population data isn't just a resource, but a tool to address systemic gaps and fuel intentional investment.

[Pio Smith @PioSmith_UN]

Demographic change is reshaping countries. To thrive, comprehensive financing can create the enabling environments that people deserve. Our Regional Conference in Skopje starts with a clear message: beyond abstract numbers, we need intentional investment in human capital.

[Pio Smith @PioSmith_UN]

Great to meet HE PM @MickoskiHM to appreciate the Strategy on Demographic Resilience and his leadership 🇲🇰 @UNFPA is committed to supporting the Gov & turning this momentum into action, promoting smart investments in equality, youth, & human capital for national prosperity.

[Христијан Мицкоски @MickoskiHM]

Денеска во Владата остваривме конструктивна средба со претставници на United Nations и UNFPA, на која разговаравме за можностите за продлабочување на соработката и заедничките активности во области од заеднички интерес.

Во текот на средбата беа разменети мислења и идеи за идни иницијативи, со посебен акцент на одржливиот развој, институционалната соработка и поддр��ката на процесите што придонесуваат за подобра иднина за граѓаните.

Ја потврдивме заедничката заложба за продолжување на партнерството и унапредување на меѓусебната соработка во периодот што следува.

[Diene Keita @unfpachief]

Nearly 1 in 6 persons around the world lives with a disability.

Yet, most health systems were not designed with them in mind.

That is a gap we need to bridge.

At @UNFPA, we are clear: disability-inclusive healthcare is not optional if we want to #LeaveNoOneBehind.

[Pio Smith @PioSmith_UN]

553 million people, one mission: from maternal health breakthroughs to the power of our youth, we are moving beyond traditional aid to empowerment, investing in the potential of every individual across the region. Strategic, agile, and future-ready, these are our leaders in WCA!

[Pio Smith @PioSmith_UN]

I leave Bangui convinced: safeguarding the health, livelihoods and rights of women and adolescents is the smartest investment for CAR’s stability 🇨🇫
Proud of our @UNFPA integrated,community-based approach. Now, we must redouble our efforts, stay the course, and scale what works.

[MINUSCA @UN_CAR]

SRSG @VRugwabiza met with ASG-DED of @UNFPA, M. @PioSmith_UN, during which both parties discussed peace & security gains achieved in 🇨🇫, providing an environment conducive to scale up & deliver socio-economic dividends for the population,notably in the health & education sectors.

[Pio Smith @PioSmith_UN]

(2) During my first day in Bangui, I expressed solidarity to HE President @FA_Touadera and reflected together with authorities to align @UNFPA’s convening power and expertise with national priorities, translating strategies into sustainable impact that leaves no one behind.

[Pio Smith @PioSmith_UN]

(1) Our objective is clear: we are here to serve, turning data-backed population strategies into concrete policies and budgets that deliver quality, integrated health and protection systems for the people and the long-term development of the Central African Republic.