As part of its strategic partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Permanent Population Committee (PPC) to commemorate World Population Day. The event, titled “Empowering Youth in a Just and Hopeful World," drew wide participation from representatives across the State of Qatar, GCC member states, and various United Nations agencies.
Mr. Sultan Ali Al-Kuwari, Vice Chairman of the Permanent Population Committee, opened the webinar with a keynote address. In his opening remarks, he reaffirmed Qatar's unwavering commitment to advancing population-related issues. He underscored the crucial importance of youth empowerment and the need to expand future opportunities for the younger generation—principles firmly anchored within both Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy (2024–2030).
His Excellency Mr. Jocelyn Fenard, UNFPA Representative for the GCC, also delivered a keynote address in which he highlighted the most pressing challenges facing youth around the world. Drawing on insights from the 2025 State of World Population Report, he emphasized the critical role that nations must play in responding to these challenges.
The webinar also featured a presentation by the Ministry of Social Development and Family on Qatar's Family Strategy, as well as a presentation by the GCC Statistical Center showcasing the latest data supporting evidence-based policymaking. In addition, representatives from GCC countries shared their respective experiences in addressing youth-related issues across the region.
The webinar aims to raise awareness and deepen understanding of population issues, World Population Day, and the State of World Population Report (SOWP), particularly within the GCC countries. It highlights the importance of these topics across all age groups, while providing a platform for dialogue and knowledge exchange among national statistical institutions, ministries, and key stakeholders—with a special emphasis on the rights and well-being of youth and the elderly.
Furthermore, the webinar seeks to promote the integration of comprehensive population dynamics and human rights–based approaches for all age groups into national development plans. By doing so, it aspires to effectively address the diverse needs and aspirations of all population segments, especially younger and older generations.
The Permanent Population Committee commemorates World Population Day in accordance with the recommendation of the Executive Board of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which, in 1989, designated July 11 each year as World Population Day to be observed by the international community.
World Population Day (WPD) 2025 focuses on the interplay between population dynamics and sustainable development, highlighting key issues such as fertility, reproductive health, and the empowerment of youth, women, and girls. The event also coincides with the release of the 2025 State of World Population Report by the UNFPA, which explores the social and economic challenges that prevent individuals from realizing their desired family size.
