Background

In 1994, the world came together at the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in Cairo to redefine the relationship between population and development, and agreed that population is primarily about people, not numbers. 

That was a generation ago. A time when today’s young people were not yet born, or were too young to care. 

Considerable progress has been made in the wider European region over the past three decades in realizing the vision formulated in Cairo, although not in all fields, and not everywhere, according to the Regional ICPD30 Review report published in October 2023. 

Young people have an important role in advancing further progress towards achieving the goals enshrined in the ICPD Programme of Action adopted in Cairo nearly 30 years ago. They are stakeholders in their countries’ present and future. They are drivers of change. And they hold governments to account for their actions to shape a world in which young people can thrive and fulfil their potential.

That’s why, in the months leading up to the regional ICPD30 conference, UNFPA wanted to hear from young people about what matters to them and ensure the views and voices of youth are reflected in the review of the implementation of the ICPD Programme of Action. 

The ICPD30 youth initiative

As part of the regional ICPD30 review, young people from across Europe, Central Asia and North America were invited to participate in a series of youth consultations between March and October 2023.

In total, more than 3,000 young people from 20 countries were engaged in a series of conversations mapping their experiences, challenges, hopes and dreams within the scope of the ICPD Programme of Action. A total of nearly 40 consultations were organized by using diverse methods, including surveys, national and local focus-group discussions both online and in person, as well as regional youth expert consultations. Special focus was placed on involving marginalized and vulnerable groups, such as young migrants and refugees, ethnic minority groups, young people with disabilities, youth in prison settings and those with a history of drug use. 

During the consultation process, a group of youth representatives was selected to present the youth voice at the Regional Conference on ICPD30 in Geneva on 19-20 October. Informed by the results of the region-wide youth consultations, the representatives came together ahead of the conference to draft a series of statements that were delivered during the event.

The youth initiative did not end in Geneva. The momentum continues into 2024 during the ICPD30 global youth consultations, the ICPD30 Celebration in July 2024 and the Summit of the Future. Advocacy efforts will also continue for the implementation of the commitments made by Member States.

Background

In 1994, the world came together at the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in Cairo to redefine the relationship between population and development, and agreed that population is primarily about people, not numbers. 

Civil society organizations (CSOs) are dealing with very different challenges than 30 years ago, approach them in different ways, and play an important role in influencing and advancing further progress towards achieving the goals enshrined in the ICPD Programme of Action.

Considerable progress has been made in the wider European region over the past three decades in realizing the vision formulated and agreed upon in Cairo, although not in all fields, and not everywhere, according to the Regional ICPD30 Review report to be published in October 2023. 

CSOs are task-oriented and driven by people with a common interest. They perform a variety of services and humanitarian functions, bring citizens’ concerns to Governments, monitor policies, and encourage political participation at the community level. CSOs provide analysis and expertise, serve as early warning mechanisms, help monitor and implement international agreements and exert influence at local, national and international levels. 

That’s why UNFPA and UNECE invite CSOs from the UNECE region to discuss what is happening in their countries, and what concerns they have regarding the review of the implementation of the ICPD Programme of Action, which is set to take place over the coming weeks and months.

As part of the regional ICPD30 review, CSOs from across Europe, Central Asia and North America are invited to participate in the Regional ICPD30 Conference in Geneva on 19 and 20 October 2023.

Background

In 1994, the world came together at the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in Cairo to redefine the relationship between population and development, and agreed that population is primarily about people, not numbers.

The world has gone through dramatic changes in the 30 years since Cairo. The arrival of the Internet, the climate emergency, and huge demographic shifts, among other changes, have radically altered how people live. Today’s parliamentarians work in a very different world from their predecessors.

Considerable progress has been made in the wider European region over the past three decades in realizing the vision formulated in Cairo, although not in all fields, and not everywhere, according to the Regional ICPD30 Review report to be published in October 2023.

Parliamentarians play an important role in advancing further progress towards achieving the goals enshrined in the ICPD Programme of Action adopted in Cairo nearly 30 years ago. Parliamentarians ensure the needs of underrepresented and disadvantaged groups are addressed, and they shape legal frameworks and policies that impact the citizens who elect them, and they are held to account by those citizens.

That’s why UNFPA invites parliamentarians from the UNECE region to discuss what is happening in their countries, and how policies they enact are reflected in the review of the implementation of the ICPD Programme of Action, which is set to take place over the coming weeks and months.

As part of the regional ICPD30 review, parliamentarians from across Europe, Central Asia and North America are invited to participate in the Regional ICPD30 Conference in Geneva on 19 and 20 October 2023.