Drc and unfpa champion youth for sustainable development

JOINT STATEMENT ISSUED

Kinshasa – On the occasion of World Population Day, the Democratic Republic of Congo is taking decisive action. With over 65% of its population under the age of 25, the nation is marking this significant day with a powerful theme: « Realizing the Hopes and Aspirations of Young People – Today and for the Future ».

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Ministry of Plan are issuing a critical call to action, emphasizing that the nation’s future prosperity hinges on effectively transforming the immense potential of its youth into a driving force for growth. Amidst evolving global demographic trends, the Democratic Republic of Congo is strategically leveraging its youthful age structure as a key asset for progress.

The « Lives, Choices and Futures » Survey: Unveiling Youth Priorities

A recent UNFPA report, drawing insights from a survey of 100,000 young individuals across 73 countries, challenges common assumptions. Congolese youth, mirroring their global counterparts, express a desire to establish families. However, they encounter significant systemic barriers, including economic instability, precarious employment conditions, and housing challenges.

A striking 88% of young people identify financial security as an essential prerequisite for parenthood. This finding suggests not a disinterest in family life, but rather a profound plea for increased opportunities and greater stability.

As highlighted by the UNFPA Executive Director in her message for World Population Day, population policies relying on coercion are destined to fail if they do not address the very obstacles identified by young people themselves. Echoing the sentiments of a young community leader, « It’s not just about choosing to have fewer children. It’s about having fewer choices. ».

DRC: Converting Obstacles into Development Opportunities

In response to ongoing crises, particularly in the eastern regions of the country, UNFPA and the Government are strengthening their collaborative efforts. This intensified partnership aligns with the National Strategic Development Plan (PNSD 2024-2028) and focuses on two primary pillars:

• UNFPA actively champions enhanced access to reproductive health services and quality education. This empowers young people, especially vulnerable girls and women, to exercise full autonomy over their bodies and their lives. 

• UNFPA is supporting the Democratic Republic of Congo in accelerating the second General Population and Housing Census (RGPH2) process. Furthermore, it assists in developing Demographic Dividend (DD) profiles across various provinces, ensuring that investments are precisely targeted to address the most pressing needs of young people. 

Advocating for Strategic Youth Investment

UNFPA reiterates that investing in youth should not be viewed as a budgetary burden, but rather as the most productive and impactful investment a nation can make. Genuine prosperity will only be realized when young people are equipped with the resources and opportunities to contribute fully to the national fabric.

« Young people – from North to South, East to West – have spoken. It is time to listen to them. And it is time to help create the conditions that allow them to make genuine choices, to form the families they desire, and to achieve their hopes and aspirations », the UNFPA Executive Director firmly states. 

UNFPA and the Ministry of Plan are inviting all development partners, civil society organizations, and the private sector to engage in constructive dialogue. The goal is to sustainably transform the narrative and build the Congolese nation of tomorrow: one that is innovative, robust, and resilient.