On 10 June, the Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development (AFPPD) and Asia Population and Development Association (APDA), with host Parliament of Tajikistan, organized an International Parliamentarians’ Forum on ICPD 30 in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, with the support of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Japan Trust Fund (JTF) in cooperation with the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF). Under the theme of “Sustainable Water Resources and Demographic Resilience for the Interest of Youth”, around 450 participants from 15 countries, including H.E. Speaker of the Majlisi Namoyandagon Majlisi Oli (Parliament) of Tajikistan, H.E. Deputy Prime Minister of Tajikistan, and H.E. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Tajikistan, participated in the Forum to share their experiences and exchange ideas on environmental and demographic issues, and strengthen networks through dialogues.

The Forum consisted of four sessions: Session 1 emphasized the need for active youth engagement in discussions on climate change, given that climate change exacerbates existing challenges amid complex demographic changes such as population ageing and declining birth rates. Session 2 focused on empowering the youth to address megatrends and form demographic resilience in the region. Concrete proposals were made, such as developing curricula and internship opportunities for young people that would prevent a disconnect between education and employment, providing young people with an attractive outlook as they begin their lives as adults, and so forth.

Session 3 discussed women’s empowerment and noted that unpaid work such as caregiving is a major barrier for women, while encouraging a flexible work culture can help unemployed mothers integrate into the labor force. They summarized the need for a proactive legal framework to protect women from violence and sexual harassment. Session 4 focused on the ICPD agenda and the important role of parliamentarians to create an environment in which all people, from children to the elderly, can participate and play an active role in society, and to incorporate the views of citizens. As an outcome of the Forum, the participants discussed and adopted a declaration that called for advancing legislative actions to increase resilience in the face of demographic and environmental changes.

International Conference on the International Decade for Action ‘Water for Sustainable Development’ 2018-2028” (10-13 June 2024, Dushanbe), and on 11 June, the Forum participants attended this event, where they actively engaged in discussions with other participants.

■Inter Press Service (IPS)
Lawmakers Deliberate on ICPD30, Water Security at Tajikistan Conference