JOINT STATEMENT
Kinshasa, July 11, 2026 – The Democratic Republic of Congo is taking significant action on World Population Day, emphasizing the crucial role of its youth. With over 65% of its citizens under the age of 25, the nation is dedicating this observance to a powerful theme: « Fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of young people – today and for the future ».
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Ministry of Plan are sounding a clear alarm: the nation’s prosperity hinges on our collective ability to transform the immense potential of its young generation into a driving force for economic expansion. Amid global demographic shifts, the DRC is strategically leveraging its youthful population structure as a key national asset.
The « Lives, Choices and Futures » Survey: What Young People Truly Desire
A groundbreaking new report from UNFPA, based on insights from 100,000 young individuals across 73 countries, challenges conventional wisdom. Young Congolese, mirroring their global counterparts, express a strong desire to build families. However, they face substantial systemic barriers, including economic uncertainty, precarious employment, and housing challenges.
For a striking 88% of these young people, financial security is an essential prerequisite for parenthood. This finding doesn’t signify a diminished interest in family life, but rather an urgent plea for greater opportunities and stability.
As highlighted by the UNFPA Executive Director in a message for World Population Day, population policies that rely on coercion are destined to fail if they do not address the very obstacles young people themselves identify. Echoing a young community leader, « It’s not just about choosing to have fewer children. It’s about having fewer choices. ».
DRC: Transforming Challenges into Development Opportunities
In response to ongoing crises, particularly in the eastern regions of the country, UNFPA and the Government are strengthening their collaborative efforts. This partnership aligns with the National Strategic Development Plan (PNSD 2024-2028) and is built upon two critical pillars:
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UNFPA actively supports enhanced access to reproductive health services and quality education. This empowers young people, especially vulnerable girls and women, to exercise full autonomy over their bodies and their lives.
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UNFPA assists the DRC in accelerating the second General Population and Housing Census (RGPH2) and developing Demographic Dividend (DD) profiles across provinces. This strategic approach ensures investments are precisely targeted where the needs of young people are most pressing.
A Call for Productive Investment
UNFPA reiterates that investing in youth is not merely a budgetary expense, but rather the most productive and impactful investment a nation can make. Genuine prosperity will only be realized when young people are equipped with the resources and opportunities to contribute fully to the national fabric.
« Young people – from North to South, East to West – have voiced their perspectives. It is time to listen to them. And it is time to help create the conditions that enable them to make genuine choices, to build the families they desire, and to fulfill their hopes and aspirations », emphasized the UNFPA Executive Director.
UNFPA and the Ministry of Plan extend an invitation to all development partners, civil society organizations, and the private sector for a constructive dialogue. The goal is to sustainably reshape the narrative and build the Congolese nation of tomorrow: innovative, robust, and resilient.
