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The World Population Day (WPD) 2014 theme is “investing in young people.” There are 1.8 billion people aged 10-24 in the world, making up one quarter of the world’s population. These comprise adolescents (aged 10-19) and youth (aged 15-24). Adolescents and youth are central to the future development agenda. Safeguarding their rights and investing in their future by providing quality education, decent employment, effective livelihood skills, and access to sexual and reproductive health services and comprehensive sexuality education that emphasises gender and power, is essential to their development and that of their families, communities and countries
World Population Day Within Myanmar there are 16 million young people. Given the impetus of Myanmar’s recent political and economic reforms, it is important to maintain this momentum and invest in young people for sustainable social and economic development. When the results of the recent nation-wide census are published they will help to formulate policies and projects to improve the current and future lives of young people.
On the 25th June 2014, UNFPA, in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare, held an “Inter-generational dialogue” in Yangon. Fifteen Myanmar youth representatives discussed concerns and challenges that young people face in Myanmar and provided input for a concept paper which the Department of Social Welfare will present to key stakeholders including the Youth Development Programme (YDP), the Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association (MMCWA), Marie Stopes International (MSI), and the Department of Health (MoH) at the World Population Day event. Some of the issues identified by young people included; investing in peer educators to build capacity in health programmes; establishing youth community centres; and creating more job opportunities.
UNFPA Myanmar is now implementing activities in line with the UNFPA Framework of Actions for adolescents and young people in four key areas. In cooperation with the Myanmar Medical Association (MMA), UNFPA is promoting and developing the capacity of young people through “Youth Leadership Development Training”. UNFPA is advocating with the government to develop policies that address youth issues nationwide. In partnership with the Department of Health (MoH) and WHO, UNFPA is promoting access to adolescent friendly reproductive health services. In addition, UNFPA is working closely with the Myanmar Medical Association (MMA) to reach out to young people to increase their knowledge of sexual and reproductive health and motivate them to adopt healthy lifestyles.
“Young people need better access to higher level education, health as well as to develop the skills and knowledge they need for future job opportunities so that they can contribute to the job market,” said Dr. Ne Win, UNFPA’s Assistant Representative.
World Population Day is observed globally on 11th July 2014, however due to a national holiday in Myanmar the national-level event will be held on the 10th July 2014.
