The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has emphasised that ensuring universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights is fundamental to building inclusive and sustainable societies.

This message was highlighted during the 2025 World Population Day commemoration held in Bauchi.

Executive Director of UNFPA, Natalia Kanem, said this on Thursday during the event organised by the Bauchi State Government.

She stressed the need for all levels of government to provide avenues for individuals and couples to achieve their fertility goals and experience the joys and responsibilities of parenting.

According to her, enabling people to fulfil their reproductive choices fosters hope for a better future, one that supports individual rights and promotes environments where families and children can thrive.

Ms Kanem, represented by UNFPA’s Gender and Reproductive Health Analyst in Bauchi State, Deborah Tabara, reaffirmed the Fund’s commitment to partnering with the state government.

 She said the collaboration would focus on leveraging the state’s youthful population by developing inclusive programmes, strategies, plans, and budgets that prioritise equality.

“UNFPA remains a global agency for reproductive health. Our mission is to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person can realise their full potential,” she said.

She also underscored the importance of family-friendly policies such as accessible and affordable childcare, flexible parental leave, and encouraging fathers involvement in caregiving as ways to help families balance work and family life.

“Investing in comprehensive sexuality education is essential for empowering people to make informed choices. Promoting intergenerational understanding is equally crucial to building trust, solidarity, and fairness across age groups,” she added.

Also speaking at the event, Commissioner for Budget, Economic Planning and Multilateral Coordination, Amina Katagum, said the 2025 theme underscored the vital role of young people globally, in Nigeria, and specifically in Bauchi State.

Represented by Abubakar Bununu, Special Adviser to Governor Bala Mohammed on Multilateral Coordination, Ms Katagum urged governments and stakeholders to engage youths meaningfully and respond to their needs and aspirations.

“This will not only support societal development but also empower young people to create the families they envision. It is our collective responsibility, governments,’ the private sector’s, and development partners’, to foster a more equitable, sustainable, and compassionate world where young people can pursue the lives they want for themselves and their families,” she said.

The theme of the 2025 World Population Day is “Empowering Young People to Create the Families They Want in a Fair and Hopeful World.” 

(NAN)