Technology, Equity and SRHR: Global South Pathways to Sustainable Development

The 59th session of the Commission on Population and Development (CPD59) focuses on Population, Technology and Research in the Context of Sustainable Development at a critical juncture for the global development agenda. Rapid technological change and advances in research offer new possibilities to address demographic challenges and accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, without deliberate action, these same trends risk reinforcing structural inequalities between and within countries.

From a Global South perspective, the CPD59 theme is inseparable from questions of development justice—including equitable access to technology, fair distribution of resources, national ownership of development pathways, and the right of all people to benefit from scientific progress. Persistent gaps in technology transfer, financing, research capacity and digital infrastructure continue to constrain the ability of many countries to translate demographic trends into inclusive and sustainable development outcomes.

Population dynamics in the Global South—including large youth populations, ongoing urbanization, evolving fertility patterns and persistent gender inequalities—underscore the importance of investing in human capital development. Evidence consistently demonstrates that access to health, education and decent work is foundational to development justice. Within this framework, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) play a central role, enabling individuals—particularly women, adolescents and young people—to exercise bodily autonomy, participate fully in society and contribute to sustainable development.

This panel, organized by the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (PMNCH) in collaboration with Global South Member States and the Global South Coalition for SRHR and Development Justice, will provide a platform to articulate how population policies, technology and research can advance equitable, rights-based and justice-oriented development, consistent with the ICPD Programme of Action and the 2030 Agenda.