The Asian Population and Development Association (APDA), in collaboration with the African Parliamentary Forum on Population and Development (FPA) and Tanzania Parliamentarians Association on Population and Development (TPAPD), held the “African and Asian Parliamentarians’ Meeting on Population and Development: The Role of Parliamentarians in Harnessing Population Data to Foster Inclusive Social and Economic Development” in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on 24-25 February. This event was supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Japan Trust Fund (JTF), in cooperation with the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) and Pathfinder International, as a TICAD9 Partner Project certified by the Government of Japan (Ministry of Foreign Affairs).

During the opening session, H.E. Dr. Tulia Ackson, MP, Speaker of the Parliament of the United Republic of Tanzania; Hon. Dr. Abdul Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, President of FPA and Minister of Labour, Jobs and Employment of Ghana; H.E. Mikami Yoichi, Ambassador-designate of Japan to Tanzania; and Hon. Sebastian Kapufi, MP, Chair of TPAPD, delivered remarks. They highlighted the significance of this conference being held in Tanzania and expressed their expectations for fruitful deliberations. Among other dignitaries in the opening session were Mr. Mark Bryan Schreiner, Country Representative of UNFPA Tanzania, who represented the sponsoring organization, UNFPA, and Ms. Lydia Salaoucou Zoungrana, President of Africa, Pathfinder International (represented by Mr. Joseph Komwihangiro, Senior Country Director of Pathfinder Tanzania). Each emphasized the importance of the role of parliamentarians from the perspectives of international organizations and civil society organizations, respectively. In order to translate rapid population growth into economic development, the sessions discussed promoting the use of the demographic dividend, investment in youth education and employment opportunities, empowerment of women and girls, and addressing legislative gaps in the implementation of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) Programme of Action and the Addis Ababa Declaration on Population and Development (AADPD). The final session adopted the Dar es Salaam Declaration. A total of 70 participants from 16 African and Asian countries attended the conference.

On the following day, participants visited Regional Referral Hospital Hospital, UMATI (IPPF Member Association), and Pathfinder’s Magomeni Youth Centre in Dar es Salaam. At Temeke Regional Referral Hospital, participants were briefed on the issue of teenage unintended pregnancy and the hospital's services, and toured the site. At UMATI's Youth Centre, the Director explained that the center provides a network for youth and empowers them by offering dance and music lessons, which help youth develop skills and earn income through paid performances. The center also supports teenage mothers with counseling and sexual reproductive health (SRH) education, and peer educators conduct weekly health classes in collaboration with medical professionals. African parliamentarians noted that their countries face similar issues related to youth, and that the center's efforts have been very helpful. At the Magomeni Youth Center, participants were welcomed by Dr. Felister Kiatu (Magomeni Health Center) and Haikel Mandari (Pathfinder Tanzania). The center offers youth-friendly health services and confidential counseling on issues such as sexual abuse, HIV/AIDS, and economic challenges. It also provides support for victims of gender-based violence (GBV), assistance for youth with unwanted pregnancies, and skills development for economic empowerment. Young people shared their personal experiences of seeking help at the center and engaged in candid dialogue with participating parliamentarians about the challenges they face.