On 16-17 June, the Asian Population and Development Association (APDA) and Forum of Arab Parliamentarians on Population and Development (FAPPD) conducted a study visit in Tunis, Tunisia, focusing on key issues related to population and development. The programme was supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Japan Trust Fund (JTF) and International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF).

Tunisia is recognized as a regional leader for its integration of population and development priorities into its national legislation and for its progressive legal framework in areas such as population and health. During their visit to the Assembly of the Representatives of the People, the FAPPD delegation explored the country’s landmark legislative efforts, including:

• Family Planning Law: One of the earliest laws in the region to legalize family planning, establishing the National Office for Family and Population (ONFP).
• Reproductive Health (RH) Law: Regulates RH services and ensures access as an integral part of public health, upholding reproductive rights for both men and women.
• National Development Plan (2023–2025): Endorsed by Parliament, this plan sets out goals such as reducing unintended pregnancies and improving demographic indicators.
• Organic Law on Eliminating Violence Against Women: One of the most advanced laws in the Arab world, comprehensively addressing physical, sexual, economic, and political violence.
• Social and Solidarity Economy Law (2023): Promotes youth participation in social development initiatives and provides tax benefits and low-interest loans.

Additional measures related to RH and family planning include legal guarantees for access to free contraceptives, strengthened rights of pregnant women in the healthcare system, and the incorporation of RH services into basic health coverage under the National Health Insurance Law. The delegation also visited several institutions, including the Arab University of Science, the Fédération des Ligues des Droits des Femmes (FLDF), which is the oldest women's organization in the Arab region, and the International University Hospital of Tunis. These visits facilitated valuable exchanges on education, RH and women's well-being.

Drawing from the Tunisian experience, participants expressed a strong commitment to applying the knowledge gained through concrete actions in their own countries. Proposed initiatives included launching academic–parliamentary collaboration platforms, developing legislation on the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in education, strengthening community-based healthcare, and advancing gender equality and youth participation. The delegation conveyed sincere gratitude to the Government of Japan for its instrumental support in making the visit possible, and reaffirmed their dedication to fostering regional cooperation to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).