UNFPA Executive Director Addresses CPD 59 on Population, Technology

Your Excellency, Mr. Muhammed Jallow, Vice President of The Gambia,

Mr. Chair,

Deputy Secretary-General,

Excellencies,

Assistant Secretary-General for Policy Coordination, Department of Economic and Social Affairs,

Distinguished delegates,

Esteemed partners and colleagues,

It is an honour to address this fifty-ninth session of the Commission on Population and Development—my first in my capacity as Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

At a time of profound global transformation, this Commission remains indispensable. It is the only global forum where population, human rights and sustainable development converge—anchored in the enduring vision of the Cairo Programme of Action.

This year’s theme—Population, Technology and Research in the Context of Sustainable Development—could not be more timely.

Because today, more than ever, evidence must guide ambition, and research must inform action.

We are living through a moment defined by both disruption and possibility.

Artificial intelligence is reshaping economies and societies.

Demographic shifts are redefining the future of nations.

Climate change is accelerating vulnerability.

And conflicts continue to displace millions of people—eroding dignity, stability and opportunity.

Rarely has the need to find common ground around common solutions been more urgent.

In this context, one question stands before us:

How do we ensure that technology and research serve people—fairly, ethically, and inclusively?

For we know that progress is not automatic.

Innovation can accelerate development—but it can also deepen inequalities if left unchecked.

The Commission on Population and Development has guided our collective efforts toward sustainable development, with a clear message:

People must remain at the centre.

Their rights.

Their choices.

Their dignity.

And this is where the United Nations as a whole—and UNFPA specifically—bring a unique value.

We do not only generate data.

We help countries translate evidence into policy, and norms into action.

We uphold global standards—on sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender equality, and data protection—while strengthening national systems to deliver on them.

And we ensure that research does not remain abstract—but reaches communities, decision-makers, and the last mile.

Addressing population shifts is a global imperative.

Across regions, demographic realities are diverse.

Some countries face rapid population ageing.

Others are navigating the opportunities of a historic youth bulge.

Many are experiencing both—simultaneously.

This is not a challenge to manage. It is an opportunity to shape.

With the right investments—and the right evidence—population dynamics can become a powerful engine for inclusive growth, resilience and stability.

Action must be based on three strategic foundations.

First, data as power.

Accurate, timely and disaggregated data is not merely a nice thing to have—it is strategic infrastructure for national planning and investment.

As we enter the 2030 census round, the message is simple:

Everyone must be counted—because everyone counts.

Beyond counting, we must understand.

This means strengthening national statistical systems, civil registration and vital statistics, and investing in population research capacities, particularly in developing countries.

Today, too much research remains concentrated in a few regions.

We must democratize knowledge—so that all countries can produce, own and use their data.

Because without data, there is no equity.

And without equity, there is no sustainable development.

Second, technology must foster inclusion and trust.

Technology is transforming lives—from telemedicine to AI-powered insights.

But inclusion is not guaranteed.

Today, digital divides mirror—and often amplify—existing inequalities.

This is why the United Nations is advancing normative frameworks for responsible innovation—including ethical artificial intelligence, data governance, and digital rights.

At UNFPA, we work to ensure that digital solutions are:

• human rights–based,
• gender-responsive,
• safe by design. Because digital innovation without trust is not progress.

Technology-facilitated gender-based violence—from cyber harassment to deepfakes—undermines dignity, safety and participation.

A digital future must be one where women and girls—and all people—are not only protected, but empowered as creators, leaders and innovators.

Third, we must finance the future we want.

Excellencies, distinguished delegates,

What kind of future do you want the UN system and UNFPA to support you in building for your populations over their life course?

None of this happens without investment.

What kind of investments are you willing to make?

Population data systems.

Research ecosystems.

Reproductive health services.

These are not costs.

They are the backbone of resilient societies and inclusive economies.

We must scale up financing—both domestic and international—and align it with national priorities.

Because evidence without investment cannot deliver impact.

From Research to Results

Across the world, we are already seeing what is possible when research, technology and policy come together:

From India to Rwanda, from Colombia to the Philippines, from Sierra Leone to Nepal, South Africa to the Pacific Islands to Nigeria, UNFPA is leveraging frontier technologies, such as geospatial tools, satellite imagery, and artificial intelligence to strengthen national systems.

AI is transforming census data into real-time policy insights.

Digital health platforms are reaching millions with life-saving services.

Youth-led innovations are expanding access to reproductive health information.

New training technologies are strengthening the health workforce.

When digital innovation is embedded in strong primary health-care systems, it becomes a powerful equalizer – reducing distance, lowering costs, and closing gaps in access to care.

That is why we are shifting the narrative, including through our WomenX Collective initiative, which bridges technology, science and impact at scale to make women-focused innovations accessible where they are needed most.

A Call to Action

Excellencies,

As the 2030 deadline approaches, the pace of change is accelerating.

So must our ambition.

The future will be shaped by how well we connect:

People.

Data.

Technology.

Research.

And rights.

This Commission—especially in the context of UN80—must be more than a forum for reflection.

It must be a catalyst for evidence-based, people-centred action, and a laboratory to build solid cooperation among members – an essential, effective and operational commission.

We stand ready—as your trusted partner—bringing together normative leadership, operational capacity, and deep country presence.

We will walk alongside you—every step of the way—to reach the last mile.

Because population is not about numbers.

It is about the people we serve, the most vulnerable, civil society

Their choices.

Their potential.

It is about technology and research to advance sustainable development,

It is about the people who lead, you, Member States.

It’s about your leadership

It’s about your choice

It’s about your populations.

And when we invest in people—guided by evidence, grounded in rights—we do not just shape the future.

We secure it.

I thank you for your kind attention and look forward to engaging, productive deliberations this week.