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Asia has the highest number of young people aged 10-24 (1.1 billion), which is over 60 per cent of the world’s population of young people.

 

Many young people in Asia are living on less than $1.25 per day. Over one third (36 per cent) live in urban areas  and this is growing rapidly with rural-to-urban migration.

 

Each year some 7 million girls below age 18 give birth worldwide; more than half are in Asia. Nine in 10 of these births occur within marriage or a union. This has consequences on the heath, education, employment and rights of an untold millions of girls.

 

In South Asia, 22 per cent of girls give birth before age 18. Throughout the region, adolescent pregnancies are most common among the poor, the rural and those without education.

 

Representatives from 40 countries will attend the Sixth Asian and Pacific Population Conference from 16-20 September in Bangkok.

 

The Conference will review the region’s successes, challenges and future priorities in the area of population and development. Its agenda covers a wide range of issues including poverty reduction, sexual and reproductive health and rights, HIV and AIDS, gender equality, youth, ageing, migration, and sustainable development.