NEWS RELEASE
Released November 18, 2014

New UNFPA report links progress and power to young people

Wellington, November 19, 2014 - A UN report launched today calls for investment in young people as they are essential to social and economic progress.

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) says young people in the developing world hold the key to development, but that countries need to invest in their education and health whilst also protecting their rights.

The report The State of World Population, the Power of 1.8 Billion: Adolescents, Youth and the Transformation of the Futureexplains how todays record youth population presents opportunities for real change.

“Young people are the innovators, creators, builders and leaders of the future. But they can transform the future only if they have skills, health, decision-making, and real choices in life,” UNFPA Executive Director, Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin says.

The ‘State of World’ report points out that there is a critical need to invest in protecting rights, including reproductive rights, and sexual and reproductive health, and provide skills and knowledge to build young people’s capabilities and agency.

The UNFPA report further shows that potential economic gains could be realised through a “demographic dividend” which can occur when a country’s working age population is larger than the population that is dependent.

Dr Osotimehin urges countries to ensure that economic growth does not exclude people. He says “the demographic dividend must be harnessed to achieve inclusive growth and offer opportunities and well-being for all.”

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Family Planning’s work with I-Kiribati youth

Family Planning New Zealand, together with the Kiribati Healthy Families Project, is currently working to improve access to sexual and reproductive health information and services in the capital of South Tarawa. Voluntary family planning is one of the most effective ways to encourage sustainable development, in particular when facing the needs of young populations.

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Background

UNFPA’s State of World Population report has been published annually since 1978. Each year, the report focuses on current issues facing the global population. UNFPA is an international development agency that promotes the right of every woman, man and child to enjoy a life of health and equal opportunity.

Family Planning New Zealand works to ensure all people can enjoy sexual and reproductive wellbeing, with a particular focus on the Pacific region. Family Planning is the secretariat for the NZ Parliamentarians’ Group on Population and Development (NZPPD).

The report is available on: www.familyplanning.org.nz

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