World Population Day – Beyond the Numbers.

Every year on July 11th, the world comes together to mark World Population Day, 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. This year’s theme focused on the how the Parish Development Model- a transformative strategy that was 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.

As part of the national World Population Day 2025 commemoration that were 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 provided platforms for reflection, dialogue and advocacy in line with the theme and how youth rights and socio-economic development can be advanced. From the schools’ debate, the youth hybrid dialogue and the final event, the message was clear, youth inclusivity in the policies and strategies being passed- planning with the youth and not for them.

This year’s World Population Day presented a timely opportunity to highlight the transformative role that PDM can play in advancing better health concerns for the youth, but most importantly how the young people should be at the forefront for they have an integral part to play 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.

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