The fifty-ninth session of the Commission on Population and Development will spotlight population, technology and research in the context of sustainable development.
The Commission, which is made up of 47 UN Member States elected by the Economic and Social Council for a period of four years, assists the Council in many ways, including advising on population issues, as well as monitoring and assessing the implementation of the Programme of Action of the landmark International Conference on Population and Development.
This year’s session will be broadcast on UN Web TV. You can learn more about it here.
The session will feature a number of side events hosted by UNFPA and partners, including the following. This page will be updated with more events and details in the coming days.
Unpacking the imperatives for building demographic resilience and sustainable development
14 April, 1:15–2:30 p.m. EDT
UN Headquarters, Conference Room 9
This session will explore demographic shifts alongside the current global data emergency, emphasizing the need for countries to prepare for future demographic realities and build resilience. Hosted by UNFPA and partners.
Revealing the hidden generational economy: National Transfer Accounts
14 April, 1:15–2:45 p.m. EDT
UN Headquarters, Conference Room 11
This side event will provide a strategic overview of National Transfer Accounts and related tools as practical instruments for fiscal planning, social protection and inclusive growth. Hosted by the National Institute of Population and Social Security Research of Japan, the Government Population Council of Poland, the UN Population Division, the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs and UNFPA.
From AI capability to AI responsibility: The path to leaving no one behind
14 April, 6:30–8:00 p.m. EDT
Scandinavia House
This event aims to raise awareness of how artificial intelligence (AI) can be designed, deployed and used in ways that centre the rights, safety and needs of all users, while shifting the focus from advancing AI capability to ensuring AI responsibility. Organized by UNFPA. RSVP here.
Co-creating a better future: Advancing the global dialogue on technology and research
15 April, 1:15–2:30 p.m. EDT
UN Headquarters, Conference Room 4
This signature side event will bring together UN Member States, UN partners, youth leaders and private sector actors to drive action on innovation for population and development, focusing on how technology and research breakthroughs can become investable solutions that accelerate the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development, while addressing digital safety, fairness, and digital and research divides. Hosted by UNFPA and the Governments of Luxembourg and Rwanda. RSVP here.
Demographic shifts, digital futures and sustainable development: Realizing the silver dividend
15 April, 1:15–2:45 p.m. EDT
UN Headquarters, Conference Room 8
This side event will share national experiences and regional perspectives to advance innovative, evidence-based population policies with a focus on healthy and dignified ageing. Organized by the League of Arab States in cooperation with the Ministry of Economy and Planning of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Health and Population of Egypt, and UNFPA.
From users to co-architects: Advancing ICPD commitments for and with youth in a digital age
15 April, 1:15–2:45 p.m. EDT
UN Headquarters, Conference Room 12
This session will highlight persistent disparities among youth in connectivity, safety and representation to show that inclusive technology is not just a technical objective, but a prerequisite for fulfilling bodily autonomy. Organized by UNFPA, the International Telecommunication Union, the ICPD Youth Platform and the Government of the Netherlands. RSVP here.
Transforming education for inclusive development: Leveraging technology and geo-referenced census for population-centred decision-making
16 April, 1:15–2:45 p.m. EDT
UN Headquarters, Conference Room 9
This side event will highlight the urgent need to transform education systems through a comprehensive approach that combines digital innovation, curriculum reform, stronger data ecosystems and a clear focus on equity. Hosted by UNFPA, UNICEF and UNESCO.
Population intelligence for risk-ready futures: Geospatial modelling for rights-based disaster risk reduction and health resilience
16 April, 1:15–2:45 p.m. EDT
UN Headquarters, Conference Room 12
This side event will demonstrate how geospatial modelling, technology-enabled research and demographic intelligence can help operationalize priorities of the fifty-ninth session of the Commission on Population and Development. Organized by UNFPA, the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, Harvard Medical School, Bayer, as well as Governments of Cuba, El Savador, Jamaica and Tajikistan.
