Global Youth Dialogue in Benin Highlights Urgency for Swifter Progress and Youth Involvement in Reproductive Health and Rights

Cotonou, Benin, April 5, 2024 – At the Global Youth Dialogue in Cotonou, Benin, more than 400 young people from 130 countries called for decisive action by leaders on the issues that matter most to them: sexual and reproductive health, education, human rights and gender equality, resilience amid crisis, and youth participation in decision-making.

Hosted by UNFPA, the UN's sexual and reproductive health agency, the Government of the Republic of Benin, and the Governments of  Denmark and the Netherlands, the dialogue brought together youth activists, Member State Ministers and regional and intergovernmental organizations to identify youth-driven priorities to bring to the UN Summit of the Future in September 2024.

The Dialogue is one of a series of events to mark the 30th anniversary of the International Conference of Population and Development (ICPD), which launched a global programme of action to put people’s rights at the heart of sustainable development.

At the Dialogue, UNFPA Executive Director, Dr Natalia Kanem said: "Young people are leading the charge to usher in another 30 years of progress in sexual and reproductive rights. They must be included in conversations about their own futures."

Dr.Kanem reflected on gains made since Cairo, including the rate of maternal mortality down by a third between 2000 and 2020, and the rate of unintended pregnancy down by a fifth since 1990. But she stressed the need for swifter progress, highlighting a range of issues crucial to advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights, including sexuality education; access to family planning and sexual and reproductive health services; and bodily autonomy.  She also stressed the urgency to accelerate progress on the climate crisis and conflict resolution to improve the lives of young people. "Though the progress of the past 30 years has been significant, there is still so much to be done," she said. 

West Africa, in particular, was highlighted as both a region facing significant challenges and offering a beacon of hope. "Whether it's the potential inherent in its growing youth population or the inspiring work of those advancing reproductive health and rights in the region, West Africa paints a hopeful picture of the future," noted Dr.Kanem.

Irene Fouyaba, 30 from Chad, who works for an association to educate women and girls on menstruation and family planning, said: “Speaking about sexuality is taboo in my country, but I cannot sit by and see 12 and 13 year old girls falling pregnant due to early marriage and lack of family planning.”

Youth delegates showed their determination to drive positive change in their communities and beyond, calling for the urgent action on the following issues:

• My Body, My Life: Sexual and Reproductive Health, Health and Wellbeing

Youth delegates highlighted the need for stronger youth-responsive comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services.  They called upon Member States to decentralize health-care coverage, invest in reproductive health infrastructure, and eliminate barriers to access.

• Transforming Education, Transforming Lives: Expanding Opportunities for Young People

Participants highlighted the need for educational systems that provide equal opportunities for all and that empower young people to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

• Radical Inclusion: Protecting Human Rights and Advancing Gender Equality for Youth in All Their Diversity

Delegates called to curb the influence of the anti-rights and anti-gender movements and stressed the importance of including the voices of all youth, no matter their race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexuality, disability or any other factor.

• Adapting, Thriving and Inspiring: Crafting Resilient Futures in a World in Crisis

Participants called on leaders to prioritize, allocate resources, and integrate climate justice initiatives.

• Rising Voices: The Power of 1.9 Billion

Youth delegates highlighted the need for greater representation and engagement in global decision-making bodies, including in parliaments.

Mohammed Yakuba, 22, a youth leader from Ghana highlighted the importance of giving youth a voice. “The Global Youth Dialogue presents a unique opportunity for young people to engage in meaningful conversations given that the ICPD gives young people the chance to thrive,” he said. “Young people are not usually given the opportunity to be part of the decision-making processes.”

Leading up to the Summit of the Future this September at the United Nations, UNFPA is partnering with Global Citizen to capture the voices and views of youth from around the world on the ICPD 30 Review via the Global Citizen App.

For more information about the Global Youth Dialogue and UNFPA's efforts in advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights, please visit www.unfpa.org.

Media Contacts
Siaka Traore, Dakar; Traore@unfpa.org; +226 74 13 23 23 (French)
Anna Jefferys, New York; Jefferys@unfpa.org; +1917 769 7454 (English)