19th International Dialogue on Population and Sustainable Development

Resetting the agenda – young people’s sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) at the centre

1.8 billion young people (aged 10-24 years) are living in our world today – the largest youth population ever – and 90 percent of them are living in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs), in which they represent a significant majority. This demographic situation presents challenges, but also opportunities for reaching the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Empowering young people and providing an enabling environment where they can be healthy, educated, able to participate in the labour market and exercise their rights as active citizens is essential. It leads to inclusive development, a peaceful and sustainable future as well as the opportunity to harness their potential for economic growth: a demographic dividend.

As set out in the ICPD Programme of Action over 25 years ago, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) are critical to the empowerment of adolescents and young people, enabling them to make informed choices about their health, their bodies and their future. Unfortunately, there is still a long way to go to reach the SDGs which relate to young people’s SRHR.

On 17th November from 17:25 - 18:00 CET, PMNCH’s Executive Director, Helga Fogstad, will be speaking at the panel discussion - How to overcome barriers to reach the SRHR related SDGs for & by young people. The upcoming Dialogue will offer a safe space to discuss challenges, opportunities and strategies for addressing young people’s SRHR (social norms, conservatism, youth-friendly services, religion, youth as agents of change).