The 58th session of the United Nations Commission on Population and Development (CPD58), held from April 7 to 11, 2025, convened representatives from around the world to deliberate on the theme: “Ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages.” The session featured powerful national reports and cross-regional statements reaffirming commitment to the ICPD Program of Action and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The reports from African nations were significant as the focus was on the region to measure social progress.
Through strong national statements from countries such as, Nigeria, Niger, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Chad and South Africa, which also led a cross-regional joint intervention, reinforced their shared commitment to inclusive, rights-based development rooted in data, equity, and accountability.
Nigeria
In its national statement, Nigeria underscored the centrality of youth empowerment, gender equality, and health equity in achieving its long-term development aspirations. Representing Africa’s most populous nation, the Nigerian delegation drew clear links between the ICPD Program of Action and the country’s National Development Plan (2021–2025) and Nigeria Agenda 2050.
Nigeria reported measurable gains in healthcare access, maternal and child health, and the expansion of social protection systems. The delegation emphasized the importance of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) as a cornerstone of national development, particularly for women, adolescents, and marginalized groups.
Key interventions highlighted include:
- Integration of comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) into school curricula.
- Expanded access to family planning and adolescent health services.
- Improved data systems for evidence-based planning and decision-making.
Notably, Nigeria called for global solidarity in financing the implementation of the ICPD Program, especially in the face of constrained fiscal space and climate-induced vulnerabilities. The country reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging the demographic dividend by investing in young people’s health, education, and employment.
Niger
Mr. Samadou Ousman, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of Niger’s Permanent Mission, painted a picture of rapid demographic transformation amid ambitious policy shifts. As of 2025, Niger has a population of over 28 million, a fertility rate of 6.2 children per woman, and a youth population under 15 accounting for 51.7%. With a dependency ratio of 112 dependent individuals for every 100 working-age adults, Niger faces immense pressure on its social infrastructure.
Despite these challenges, Niger is pushing forward with transformative policies:
- A presidential directive has cut healthcare costs by 50% across public services.
- Childbirth and emergency obstetric care are now fully subsidised.
- Dialysis treatment has been made free for patients with chronic kidney disease.
- A National Strategy for Universal Health Coverage (2021–2030) anchors long-term health reforms with stakeholder buy-in across sectors.
The country is also expanding geriatric services and free healthcare for the elderly, responding proactively to the aging segment of its population. Social safety nets are being scaled to reach persons with disabilities, food-insecure populations, and those outside the formal labor market.
Niger’s approach represents a clear recognition of health as a public good and a human right, tied to social justice and national resilience. Mr. Ousman concluded with a strong reaffirmation of Niger’s dedication to SDG 3 and the ICPD agenda, despite complex socioeconomic realities.
Ghana
Ghana delivered a clear message: Sustainable population policies must center on equity, inclusivity, and evidence-based decision-making. The Ghanaian delegation reported progress in strengthening health systems and sexual and reproductive health services, especially for women, adolescents, and persons with disabilities.
Strategic priorities included:
- Full implementation of universal SRHR access.
- Investment in comprehensive sexuality education for young people.
- Use of digital technology and population data systems to guide resource allocation and social protection.
- Integrated planning that considers the impacts of urbanisation, climate change, and internal migration.
Ghana reaffirmed its commitment to the African Union’s Agenda 2063, aligning its ICPD implementation efforts with regional health, education, and economic empowerment goals. The country also advocated for stronger multilateral partnerships, particularly in funding and technical support for low- and middle-income countries.
Côte d’Ivoire
The delegation from Côte d’Ivoire offered a holistic account of national policies prioritizing youth empowerment, women’s rights, and maternal and child health. With a rapidly growing urban population and rising development demands, Côte d’Ivoire is working to strengthen its public health system while advancing social protections.
Key pillars of its population strategy include:
- Protecting children from exploitation and violence.
- Empowering women and girls through education, access to healthcare, and legal protections.
- Strengthening national capacity to collect, analyze, and apply reliable demographic data.
- Mobilizing communities and faith-based organizations to promote behavioral change and health-seeking behaviors.
Côte d’Ivoire emphasized the importance of international financing, calling on the global community to honor their commitments to the ICPD Program. The delegation made it clear that many countries risk falling short of the 2030 targets without adequate investment.
Chad
Chad, represented by Her Excellency Fatima Haram Acyl, delivered a powerful address on the country’s dedication to social equity, sustainable development, and human well-being. Despite facing numerous challenges, including security threats, humanitarian crises, and economic struggles, Chad has committed to transforming its society by focusing on human development. H.E. Acyl aligned the country’s national goals with the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), underscoring the importance of health and well-being for all, especially in the face of adversity.
Central to Chad’s progress is its increasing investment in social services. The government has raised its public spending on basic social services, aiming for a significant increase from 11.1% in 2020 to 33% by 2025. This commitment supports Universal Health Coverage, focusing on providing medical assistance to vulnerable populations, particularly in remote areas. Education has also seen progress, with a 20% increase in schools between 2019 and 2021 and efforts to ensure 80% primary school enrollment, with a special focus on girls in rural communities. These investments are vital to building a future without one being left behind.
Chad’s commitment to gender equality is equally notable, with women occupying 32% of government positions and 34% of seats in the National Assembly. The country’s progressive policies also focus on empowering women at the grassroots level through skills training and microenterprise programs. In health, Chad is working towards increasing life expectancy beyond 60 years by 2030, recruiting thousands of health professionals to serve rural areas and expanding access to clean water and sanitation. Furthermore, Chad’s integrated agricultural strategy aims to ensure food security and enhance economic resilience while also managing the impact of hosting over one million refugees. Despite the pressures, Chad remains dedicated to providing a refuge for displaced populations, calling for international support to alleviate the strain and ensure sustainable development.
South Africa
South Africa’s statement at the 58th Session of the United Nations Commission on Population and Development (CPD58) focused on the importance of health as a basic human right. Health is key to both the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) Programme of Action and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The country also highlighted the challenges faced by people in conflict zones, where health systems are destroyed, and vulnerable groups like pregnant women and children suffer the most.
The statement also addressed South Africa’s changing population, with fewer births and longer life expectancies. To support this shift, the country has introduced programs like National Health Insurance (NHI), which guarantees healthcare for everyone. It has made progress in reducing maternal and child mortality through better healthcare services, antiretroviral treatment, and vaccination efforts.
In terms of sexual and reproductive health, South Africa is focused on providing access to services for women and young people. Programs like comprehensive sexuality education in schools help address gaps, especially for young women. The country is also tackling gender-based violence (GBV) with new laws and support systems, such as the GBV Command Centre. The statement ended with a call to address the impacts of climate change, stressing the need for resilient communities and a sustainable economy.
Closing
At the close of the 58th Session of the Commission on Population and Development (CPD58), Ms. Bjørg Sandkjær, Assistant Secretary-General for Policy Coordination and Inter-Agency Affairs in the Department of Economic and Social Affairs, delivered a joint statement on behalf of 36 countries, including Austria, Belgium, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Georgia, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Latvia, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Norway, Portugal, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Timor-Leste, Tunisia, United Kingdom, Uruguay, and South Africa.
Ms. Sandkjær began by thanking the Chair and co-facilitators of the session for their hard work and leadership. She also expressed regret that a resolution could not be adopted at the end of the session. Despite this, the countries involved in the statement praised the effort put into the session and emphasized the need for unity.
The statement reaffirmed the importance of the Program of Action from the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD PoA), which has guided efforts for sustainable development, gender equality, and human rights over the last three decades. These rights are essential to the dignity of all people and are at the heart of the ICPD PoA.
Ms. Sandkjær expressed concern about recent challenges to fundamental rights that have long been agreed upon in the United Nations. The countries stated that such challenges should not be allowed to undermine global progress. They stressed the need to stay committed to human rights, multilateralism, and sustainable development while ensuring the full implementation of the ICPD PoA and the 2030 Agenda, which includes the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The statement highlighted that the world is facing a critical time where human rights, especially the right to development and access to sexual and reproductive health, are being tested. These rights are central to both the ICPD PoA and the 2030 Agenda.
Ms. Sandkjær mentioned the growing challenges of hunger, conflict, climate change, debt, economic instability, and discrimination. These issues are increasing inequality, particularly gender inequality, and making it harder for governments to invest in the health and well-being of their citizens.
The statement concluded by urging all countries to continue working with unity, determination, and a shared commitment to the values of the ICPD PoA. It called for global solidarity to ensure that no one is left behind in the pursuit of sustainable development and human rights.
“Let us move forward together with courage, conviction, and a shared commitment to the rights, development, and dignity for all leaving no one behind.”
Written by Olivier Noudjalbaye Dedingar, USA/UN Correspondent.
