The Seventh Asian and Pacific Population Conference is organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP) in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Asia and the Pacific. It will be held at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok and online from 15 to 17 November 2023.  

The Conference will provide an opportunity to review the 30 years progress of the implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development in the region. It will focus on intersecting population and development considerations as they relate to sustainable development, both now and in the future. 

What is ICPD?

In 1994, the landmark International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), held in Cairo, transformed global thinking on population and development issues and defined a bold agenda, placing people's dignity and rights at the heart of sustainable development.

There, 179 governments adopted the ICPD Programme of Action. It affirmed that inclusive sustainable development is not possible without prioritising human rights, including reproductive rights; empowering women and girls; and addressing inequalities as well as the needs, aspirations and rights of individual women and men.

ICPD set the standard for people-centred development, guiding national policies and programmes for the implementation of the Programme of Action by governments, in collaboration with parliaments and civil society, including women and youth-led organisations, the private sector, community groups and individuals at the grassroots level.

ICPD30 Review in Asia and the Pacific Region

UNFPA, as the global custodian of the ICPD, will convene governments, civil society and other partners to review the progress on the implementation of the ICPD Programme of Action. 

The Seventh Asian and Pacific Population Conference will serve as the 30-year review of the ICPD in Asia and the Pacific Region.

Population dynamics in Asia and the Pacific 

Population and development considerations are of great importance to Asia and the Pacific. The region is home to 60 per cent of the world's population, and what happens here matters at the global level. Asia and the Pacific has been undergoing a momentous transition from high to low fertility and mortality levels and to increased longevity and migration levels, resulting in older, more urban populations. Within these broad trends, population dynamics differ across subregions and countries. For example, some are already experiencing population decline, whereas others continue to grow, albeit at a declining rate.  

The region is at a critical juncture. In recent decades, countries have made considerable progress in overall socioeconomic development in terms of health, poverty eradication, sanitation, nutrition and education, to name a few. They now face both new and residual challenges and opportunities, such as a shrinking labour force, population ageing, and increased internal and international migration. Many people continue to face persistent socioeconomic inequalities – including gender inequality – disrespect for human rights and ageism. Inequalities and vulnerabilities have been exacerbated by climate change, disasters, conflicts, the COVID-19 pandemic and digital transformation. 

The Seventh Asian and Pacific Population Conference will address these issues with a focus on placing people at the center of sustainable development. 

For more information on the Conference, including papers and resource material, please visit the dedicated webpage on the UN ESCAP website.