New York, 8 April 2026 — 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 is responsible for overseeing how the global population and development agenda is put into practice, assessing progress across countries and regions, and advising the UN on what more needs to be done. It is made up of 47 UN Member States elected by the Economic and Social Council for a period of four years.
This year’s session will be broadcast on UN Web TV. You can learn more about it here.
UNFPA and partners are organizing a number of side events, including the following:
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.
- More information is available here.
- Watch it here on UN Web TV.
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 an overview of National Transfer Accounts and related tools as practical instruments for fiscal planning, social protection and inclusive growth.
- More information is available here.
- Watch it here on UN Web TV.
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 will spotlight 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.
- 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
- UN Member States, UN partners, youth leaders and private sector actors will focus on how technology and research breakthroughs can become investable solutions that accelerate progress for sexual and reproductive health and rights, while addressing digital safety, fairness, and digital and research divides.
- RSVP here.
- Watch it here on UN Web TV.
Demographic shifts, digital futures and sustainable development: Realizing the ageing silver dividend
- 15 April, 1:15–2:30 p.m. EDT
- UN Headquarters, Conference Room 8
- This event will share national experiences and regional perspectives for how to advance innovative, evidence-based population policies with a focus on healthy and dignified ageing.
- Watch it here on UN Web TV.
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 the disparities that still exist among youth in connectivity, safety and representation. It will show that inclusive technology is not just a technical objective, but a prerequisite for fulfilling bodily autonomy.
- RSVP here.
- Watch it here on UN Web TV.
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 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.
- Watch it here on UN Web TV.
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 the priorities of the fifty-ninth session of the Commission on Population and Development.
- Watch it here on UN Web TV.
For more information or interview requests, please contact media@unfpa.org.
