World Population Day

 Findings from the Demographic Futures Survey 2026 . Around the world, demographic change is prompting urgent debate about fertility, family life and the future. Lives, Choices and Futures, UNFPA’s report on the findings of the 2025-2026 Demographic Futures Survey brings together one of the most geographically diverse bodies of evidence on how young adults’ hopes and decisions about relationships, parenthood and the future take place in an uncertain world. Through the voices of over 108,000 Internet-connected people aged 18 to 39 across 73 countries, this report shows that many young people continue to value partnership and parenthood, but the conditions to realize these aspirations often feel out of reach. The findings reveal:  More than two thirds of respondents want to marry or live with a partner. Two children is the most commonly reported ideal family size in five out of seven regional groupings. Economic and housing constraints constitute the most common obstacles t...

The theme for World Population Day 2026 this year is “ Realizing the hopes and aspirations of young people – today and for the future .” The theme reflects a new report on the findings of the UNFPA Demographic Futures Survey , which asked more than 100,000 Internet-connected people aged 18 to 39 in 73 countries about their partnership, reproductive and life aspirations. The report  entitled " Lives, Choices and Futures. " will be published on 7 July, just ahead of World Population Day – a timely opportunity to place evidence at the centre of global discussions on demographic change, reproductive rights and sustainable development.

As the world continues to experience growing demographic diversity, with more countries expected to experience rapidly declining fertility rates, alongside ethno-nationalist impulses and “overpopulation” concerns in places with persistently high fertility rates, we must exercise maximum caution – and maximum optimism. Leaders would be wise to keep the last 60 years of history in mind as they deliberate policies that might, if poorly designed, be ineffective or yield unintended consequences, with only temporary impacts but potentially terrible human rights costs. They must also recognize the legitimate concerns of young people, who need not only conditions enabling them to make free, informed reproductive choices, but also hope for a future in which those choices are supported (Gessen, 2014). Young people overwhelmingly report worries and uncertainty about their futures. Many expect to experience worse outcomes than their parents did. Their concerns about climate change, economic instab...