ICPD30 Global Dialogue on Demographic Diversity and Sustainable Development

Attending the ICPD30 Global Dialogue on Demographic Diversity and Sustainable Development in Dhaka, Bangladesh, was an incredible experience. Held on May 15-16, 2024, this conference brought together 200 delegates from 50 countries, including government representatives, academic experts, and members of civil society organizations. The main focus was on how our world’s changing demographics impact sustainable development, with a special emphasis on promoting gender equality, advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The opening ceremony set a powerful tone for the event. Although Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has now been ousted out of the Bangladesh government, she nonetheless delivered an inspiring speech at the opening ceremony, emphasizing the importance of demographic diversity for sustainable development. Demographic diversity refers to variety within a population such as age, gender, ethnicity, education, income levels, occupation, and geographical distribution. The Prime Minister added that despite political challenges, Bangladesh has made significant strides in reinforcing sustainable development programs, particularly in areas such as women’s empowerment, health, and global population control.

UNFPA Executive Director, Dr. Natalia Kanem, also delivered a keynote address, highlighting the need for evidence- and rights-based decisions to shape the future of reproductive health and rights. She stressed the importance of investing in youth, ensuring access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services, and addressing gender inequalities as critical steps toward achieving global health goals and empowering communities. Her speech resonated with me deeply, as it connected global challenges like conflicts, climate change, and migration with the urgent need for SRHR advancements.

Key Discussions

The ICPD30 Global Dialogue revolved around several crucial topics that are shaping the future of global development. For example, one session focused on gender equality and SRHR, while another session explored unlocking demographic resilience amidst countries with high fertility rates and youthful populations on the one hand and countries with low fertility rates and aging populations on the other hand.

Another major topic was the future of sexual and reproductive health in the context of population change. Speakers discussed how Universal Health Care is addressing SRHR issues and the significant decrease in maternal death rates over the decades. At ICPD30, delegates also highlighted the need for improved care for the aging population to enhance overall health conditions globally. Delegates explored how technology and data can promote resilience for a smart future, addressing the intersections of demographic diversity, mobility, and the climate crisis. The program’s key takeaway was the importance of data transparency and collaboration between governments and civil society.

Urbanization and promoting green, diverse, and inclusive cities were also on the agenda, alongside the changing demography of rural communities. (Green cities, or sustainable cities, are ones that consider the social, economic, and environmental impact in their design and construction.) The final policy roundtable focused on shaping population policies for the post-2030 agenda, emphasizing sustainability. Key ideas included policies promoting universal access to healthcare and education, climate adaptation strategies for vulnerable populations, and migration policies that account for demographic shifts. These approaches aim to align population growth with sustainable development goals..

Delegates from 55 countries contributed innovative ideas and policymaking strategies, engaging youth, government bodies, and local organizations to drive development on these critical issues. Their collaborative efforts underscored the importance of inclusive and forward-thinking approaches to demographic challenges and sustainable growth.

The conference also covered significant issues faced by some high-income countries like aging populations and fertility decline. It was shocking for me, coming from the fifth most-populated country in the world (Bangladesh), to discover how the countries that developed the road map for ICPD30, such as Japan, are facing fertility decline. There were fascinating debates on retirement policies, factors influencing fertility rates, and the need for comprehensive population policies post-2030. These discussions provided valuable insights into the strategic planning required to address demographic shifts and ensure sustainable development. 

Following these discussions, the conference highlighted the importance of working together globally to address population changes. While high-income countries are dealing with aging populations and fewer births, many low and middle-income countries are facing rapid population growth with a large number of young people. Speakers emphasized the need for population policies that fit each country’s situation, focusing on fair access to healthcare, education, and jobs. The main takeaway was that a balanced approach combining economic, social, and health solutions is essential to support sustainable development beyond 2030.

Missed Opportunities

I was surprised that certain topics didn’t come up in the agenda or in conversations. For instance, there was limited focus on the specific needs and priorities of youth in the context of reproductive health and family planning. Given the importance of youth engagement in achieving SRHR and the SDGs, I felt that this was a missed opportunity. Including more focused discussions on how to create an enabling environment for young people and creating youth-responsive systems would have been beneficial. For instance, Tunisia’s National Youth Strategy and UNFPA’s Youth Strategy provide excellent examples of how to develop systems that address the unique needs of young people. In addition, flexible international migration policies could help address the demographic challenges of countries with high fertility and large youth populations, like Bangladesh, Nigeria, and Pakistan, as well as high-income countries with aging populations. 

I shared my concerns with the European Union delegate about introducing youth pathways that would allow young people from densely populated countries to migrate to countries experiencing fertility decline. This approach aims to address workforce shortages and support demographic balance. Additionally, as a speaker at the “No One Left Behind” session, I highlighted how women in rural communities often lag behind in technology, healthcare, and empowerment. To address these issues, I proposed solutions such as microfinancing for women, mobile medicine, telehealth services, and improvements in the education system in countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and various African nations to foster rural development.

The ICPD30 Global Dialogue discussed the critical role of inclusive policies to achieve sustainable development. It was clear that addressing the diverse needs of different demographics, whether by age, gender, or community, requires thoughtful and inclusive policy-making. As a youth leader, I highlighted the importance of engaging young people into these processes. Engaging youth in decision-making not only addresses their specific concerns but also utilizes their potential to drive meaningful change. The conference showcased how effective youth involvement can lead to innovative solutions and progress towards sustainable development goals.

Additionally, the conference stressed the importance of global cooperation in addressing demographic challenges. International collaboration was identified as vital for sharing successful strategies and resources across borders. By learning from effective practices in different regions, we can adapt and implement them to benefit other areas facing similar issues. Building these global partnerships and facilitating knowledge exchange will be key in developing solutions to demographic shifts and fostering a more equitable and sustainable future.

Networking and Connections

Networking was another highlight of the event. I had the chance to connect with representatives from UNFPA, Y-PEER Asia Pacific Center, and professionals from various countries, including Bangladesh, China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Kenya, Malaysia, the Maldives, Nigeria, Tanzania, the United Kingdom, the United States, and more. These connections are invaluable for future initiatives and collaborations. As a young participant among 200 experts, I gained a significant amount of knowledge and skills on how to develop sustainable development solutions keeping in mind the learnings shared at the Dialogue.

Applying the Learnings

The knowledge and insights gained from the conference are already proving to be incredibly useful. I plan to use the strategies discussed to advocate for better health and education policies in rural communities. Implementing programs to promote digital literacy, economic empowerment, and social inclusion for women and youth in rural areas is now a top priority. Using international connections to bring best practices to local communities and foster global collaborations will be instrumental in driving forward initiatives. As a young SRHR activist, I aim to utilize these learnings in local communities of Pakistan and continue to contribute my learnings to the world.