As the world marks World Population Day today, July 11, stakeholders across the globe are raising awareness about critical population-related issues, with a strong focus this year on empowering young people.
Established by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in 1989 and first observed in over 90 countries in 1990, World Population Day seeks to draw attention to the importance of family planning, gender equality, poverty reduction, maternal health, and human rights.
The theme for the 2025 observance is:”Empowering young people to create the families they want in a fair and hopeful world.”
The theme echoes the core message of the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD)—that every individual has the right to make informed decisions about their bodies, families, and futures.On this day, advocates, leaders, and policymakers across the world are urged to support youth-focused initiatives that guarantee access to reproductive health services, quality education, and equal opportunities, especially for women and girls.
The United Nations calls for sustained investments in young people to ensure they are equipped with the knowledge, tools, and support systems needed to make empowered life choices that reflect their aspirations and realities.
World Population Day serves as a reminder that ensuring a just and hopeful future begins with protecting rights and expanding opportunities for the largest youth generation in history.
Writing by Martina Ogbonna