World Population Day 2026: Realizing the hopes and aspirations of young people

In Hung Yen province, the Ministry of Health, in coordination with the Hung Yen Provincial People's Committee and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Viet Nam, organized a national rally commemorating World Population Day 2026 (July 11). Centered on the theme "Realizing the hopes and aspirations of young people – today and for the future", the high-level convention convened over 150 delegates spanning ministerial leaders, international development bodies, and youth representatives.

Addressing the meeting, Mr. Do Xuan Tuyen, Deputy Minister of Health, emphasized the infrastructural weight of population planning in driving long-term socio-economic productivity. These core orientations are legally codified within Resolution No. 21-NQ/TW and the recently passed Law on Population (No. 113/2025/QH15).

Viet Nam is currently experiencing a demographic dividend, with nearly 70 million people in the working age group (15-64 years old). This presents a crucial opportunity for the country to achieve rapid and sustainable development, provided that every young person has the opportunity to study, work, access healthcare, and fully realize their potential. On this year's World Population Day, the United Nations reaffirms the central role of people, especially youth, in the process of sustainable development.

Opportunities and challenges for young people in a rapidly changing world

The contemporary global landscape is undergoing profound socio-demographic and scientific transformations. While opening unique avenues for digital integration, these rapid changes simultaneously pose structural challenges for young populations worldwide.

According to the United Nations publication World Population Highlights 2026: Youth, the world currently has nearly 1.3 billion people aged 15-24, the largest youth generation ever. Of these, nearly 760 million live in low- and lower-middle-income countries. Globally, the proportion of young people aged 15-24 in the total population has decreased from 17.8% in 2000 to 15.6% in 2025 and is projected to reach 13.3% by 2050. This trend shows that the structure of the young population is changing rapidly, especially in many countries and territories in the region.

In reality, opportunities for youth development are still not evenly distributed, both within countries and between countries. Many young people still face economic and social barriers that prevent them from reaching their full potential. This shows that investing in youth should be considered a strategic priority, aiming to create a favorable environment where all young people have the opportunity to learn, work, contribute, and adapt to the rapid changes of the times.

Population achievements and challenges in the new era

Over the past three decades, Viet Nam has achieved significant progress in narrowing the development gap between regions and population groups. The Human Development Index has improved considerably; malnutrition, maternal mortality, and child mortality have decreased sharply. These results contribute to promoting economic growth, social progress, gender equality, and improving the quality of life for the people, thereby contributing to the implementation of Viet Nam's Sustainable Development Goals.

Alongside this, Viet Nam is undergoing remarkable demographic shifts: rapid population aging, disparities in fertility rates between regions and localities, and increasing urbanization and migration. This context demands proactive and adaptive development policies that ensure all population groups have opportunities for development and contribute to sustainable growth. Viet Nam is currently in the final stages of its demographic dividend - a favorable time to boost investment in youth and improve the quality of its human resources.

However, there are still issues that need continued attention. The sex ratio at birth has remained higher than the natural balance (104-106 boys/100 girls) for many years, partly reflecting persistent gender biases that could affect long-term population balance. Furthermore, teenage pregnancy, child marriage in some ethnic minority areas, and challenges related to healthcare and the physical stature of young people highlight the need to continue expanding services, information, and opportunities for youth. Addressing these issues with evidence-based policies that respect the choices and actual needs of young people will contribute to improving the quality of human resources and strengthening the foundation for inclusive and sustainable development.

The United Nations perspective on population and development

Speaking at the event, Ms. Pauline Tamesis, UN Resident Coordinator in Viet Nam, emphasized: “Demographics do not determine our future; demographics reflect the aspirations of millions of people and the opportunities for them to pursue those aspirations.” According to her, when young people have access to education, employment, stable housing, healthcare, and equitable sharing of family responsibilities, they can build the lives and families they desire. The role of policy is to create a favorable environment, removing barriers so that young people can pursue their choices and aspirations.

Based on international research findings, Mr. Matt Jackson, UNFPA Representative in Viet Nam, introduced the Demographic Futures Survey conducted by UNFPA, which surveyed over 108.000 young internet users aged 18-39 in 73 countries and territories. The survey results show that many young people still aspire to build committed relationships and start a family in the future. More than two-thirds of those surveyed indicated that marriage is part of their ideal life. Even among those aged 35-39 without children, 79% of men and 72% of women surveyed still wish to have children. For many young people, the joy and happiness that children bring is one of the most important reasons they want to become parents.

The survey also revealed that many young people struggle to turn their desires into reality. Financial stability is the most important factor when considering building committed relationships and starting a family, with 81% of those surveyed rating it as crucial. Meanwhile, economic and housing difficulties are common barriers to starting a long-term relationship and also significant obstacles to having children. Based on these findings, Matt Jackson emphasized that population policy needs to pay more attention to the real-world conditions affecting young people's choices. Supporting youth is not just about birth rates, but also about employment, housing, childcare, parental leave, flexible working arrangements, reproductive health services, and gender equality. When these conditions improve, young people will have more confidence and ability to build the lives, relationships, and families they desire.

Realizing the aspirations of youth

Recently, population work has continued to record many important milestones in perfecting institutions and policies. The 15th National Assembly passed Law No. 113/2025/QH15 on Population; and simultaneously approved the investment plan for the National Target Program on Health Care, Population and Development for the period 2026-2035. Guiding documents for the implementation of the Population Law, along with related programs, plans, and projects, are being developed and implemented to ensure consistency in the implementation of population policies nationwide.

2026 also marks a special milestone as Viet Nam's population work celebrates its 65th anniversary. Throughout this journey, generations of population workers have persistently dedicated themselves, achieving many important accomplishments and making practical contributions to socio-economic development and improving the quality of life for the people.

On this occasion, the Ministry of Health and related agencies emphasized several key directions: continuing the effective implementation of the Population Law and the National Target Program for the period 2026-2035; innovating communication and applying digital technology; ensuring resources for population work at all levels; and prioritizing investment in youth development as a strategic solution to improve the quality of human resources, effectively utilize demographic opportunities, and create a foundation for rapid, inclusive, and sustainable growth.

As the message of this year's World Population Day suggests, investing in youth, in their rights and choices, is investing in Viet Nam's shared future.