World Population Day – Beyond the Numbers

A Day to Reflect on Population and Rights

Every year on July 11th, the world comes together to mark World Population Day, a moment to raise awareness about the population-related challenges and opportunities linked to health, rights, development, and empowerment.

It is about the quality of life, human dignity, and the freedom to make choices — especially for women and young people.

Parish Development Model: A Tool for Transformation

This year’s theme focused on how the Parish Development Model (PDM) — a transformative strategy launched to accelerate socio-economic transformation through inclusive service delivery at the grassroots level — can be used to advance better health outcomes for young people.

Youth Voices at the Centre

As part of the national World Population Day 2025 commemorations held in Kayunga District, Naguru Teenage Centre, with support from UNFPA, sought to amplify youth voices and engagement through targeted activities leading up to the event.

These activities provided platforms for reflection, dialogue, and advocacy in line with the theme — and emphasized how youth rights and socio-economic development can be advanced.

From the schools’ debate to the youth hybrid dialogue and the final event, the message was clear:

“Youth inclusivity in policies and strategies is essential — we must plan with the youth, not for them.”

A Timely Opportunity

This year’s World Population Day presented a timely opportunity to highlight the transformative role that PDM can play in addressing youth health concerns — but most importantly, to recognize that young people should be at the forefront. They have an integral role in shaping Uganda’s future through strategies like PDM.

Through strategic partnerships, inclusivity, and stakeholder engagement, Uganda can ensure that its development is holistic, equitable, and sustainable.

Beyond the Numbers

Because in the end, the power of population lies not in the numbers, but in people’s ability to choose and thrive.

Tags: World Population Day, Youth Empowerment, Parish Development Model, UNFPA, Uganda Development, SRHR, Grassroots Development

Featured Image Suggestion: A vibrant photo of youth and community leaders at the World Population Day event in Kayunga, symbolizing unity and empowerment.