The 58th session of the Commission on Population and Development (CPD) stands from 7 to 11 April 2025, under the central theme: “Ensuring Healthy Lives and Promoting Well-being for All at All Ages.” The Commission, a functional body of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), continues to steer global dialogue on population dynamics and sustainable development, particularly through the lens of the Program of Action adopted at the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD).
Objective of the Session
This session aims to advance a comprehensive review of progress in implementing the ICPD Program of Action. It will explore critical interlinkages between population trends, public health, and human development, placing emphasis on integrated strategies to safeguard well-being, reduce disparities, and strengthen health systems—with a view to accelerating the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Bureau Leadership
The Bureau of the 58th Session is composed of distinguished representatives across UN regional groups:
Chair: Ms. Catharina Jannigje Lasseur (Kingdom of the Netherlands – WEOG)
Vice-Chairs:
Ms. Josélyne Kwishaka (Burundi – African Group)
Ms. Norma Abi Karam (Lebanon – Asia-Pacific Group)
Mrs. Galina Nipomici (Republic of Moldova – Eastern European Group)
Ms. Stefany Romero Veiga (Uruguay – GRULAC)
Participants and Stakeholders
The session will bring together:
- Member States of the Commission (47 in total, elected by ECOSOC)
- High-level government officials
- United Nations agencies and entities
- Civil society organizations
- Academics and technical experts
- Youth and multi-stakeholder groups
Together, they will assess current challenges and recommend pathways for inclusive, rights-based, and gender-sensitive health and population policies.
Key Events and Program Highlights
Opening Session
Remarks by:
- Ms. Katja Lasseur, Chair of the CPD 58
- Mr. Guy Ryder, UN Under-Secretary-General for Policy, representing the Deputy Secretary-General
- Dr. Natalia Kanem, Executive Director, UNFPA
- Mr. Li Junhua, UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs
Keynote Address
- H.E. Ms. Harini Amarasuriya, Prime Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka (via video link)
Special Presentation
- H.E. Mr. Abdoulaye Bio Tchané, Minister of State for Planning and Development, Benin
Cultural Performance
“Letters from a Young Poetess” featuring Lisette Ma Neza, Brussels’ first-ever city poet, and Peter Somuah, Afro-jazz trumpeter.
Thematic Focus & Panels
Agenda Item 3
A general debate on:
- Further implementation of the ICPD Program of Action
- Ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages
Panel Highlights:
- Expert Panel on Secretary-General Reports
Monday, 7 April | 3:00–4:30 p.m. EDT
- Interactive Dialogue on ICPD & SDGs Synergies
Tuesday, 8 April | 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. EDT
- Multi-Stakeholder Panel on Health and Well-being
Wednesday, 9 April | 3:00–6:00 p.m. EDT
- Expert Panel on the Program of Work in Population
Thursday, 10 April | 10:00–11:30 a.m. EDT
Documentation and Technical Reports
- The session will draw on a suite of technical documents, including:
- Report of the Secretary-General on global demographic trends and implementation efforts
- Analyses on financial flows supporting the Program of Action
- Proposals for the 2026 work plan and assessment of 2024 performance by the UN Population Division
- These reports provide evidence-based insights for evaluating progress and refining strategies at all levels.
Strategic Importance
This year’s theme affirms the principle that health and well-being are fundamental human rights and essential prerequisites for sustainable development. It reinforces the ICPD’s people-centered approach, calling for intensified global cooperation to support marginalized communities, improve reproductive health access, and address emerging population challenges such as urbanization, climate-induced displacement, and aging.
The Commission’s deliberations will contribute directly to achieving targets under:
- SDG 1: No Poverty
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
Closing Segment
On Friday, 11 April, the Commission will adopt its session report and finalize the provisional agenda for the 59th session, setting the course for future population and development efforts within the UN system.
The 58th Session of the Commission on Population and Development stands as a pivotal platform to renew commitments, share innovations, and strengthen multilateral action to ensure that every person—regardless of age, gender, or geography—can enjoy a life of health, dignity, and opportunity.
