Hosted by the Government of the Republic of Zambia and the African Union Commission, with the support of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), the 10-year review of the Addis Ababa Declaration on Population and Development (AADPD+10) successfully concluded on 10 November 2023 in Lusaka, Zambia. The review was undertaken by the African Population Experts Committee who met from 7-8 November; and the Continental report with its recommendations from the AADPD10 review process was adopted by Ministers in Charge of Population from 9-10 November.
The review assessed the progress made since the 5-year review held in 2018 and identified best practices that have advanced the implementation of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) Programme of Action within the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Africa Agenda 2063. The meeting also pinpointed challenges hindering progress and put forth recommendations for each pillar of the AADPD based on the findings of national review reports.
Opening the Ministerial session, President Hakainde Hichilema, in a speech delivered on his behalf by Vice President Mutale Nalumango, emphasized Africa's population and natural resources as opportunities towards achieving Africa’s Vision 2063 and build a better future for the continent. He acknowledged challenges such as instability, economic slowdown, rising poverty levels, and the looming threat of climate change affecting food security. President Hichilema highlighted the commitment of fifty-five African nations, ratifying both the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development Programme of Action and the Addis Ababa Declaration on Population and Development beyond 2014, underscoring the importance of monitoring population dynamics, reproductive health, gender equality, human dignity, health, and international cooperation to achieve the SDGs and the African Union Agenda 2063.
In her opening statement, Ms. Diene Keita, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and UNFPA Deputy Executive Director for programs, emphasized the need to address challenges ahead in realizing the objectives of the ICPD. She stressed how the collective engagements of the AADPD+10 can reflect key actions to accelerate progress. "Time is of the essence," she said, noting the approximately 2,600 days remaining until the deadline of Agenda 2030 on Sustainable Development. Ms. Keita urged a recommitment to breakthrough solutions and momentum to accelerate actions and change course when needed.
Also speaking at the Ministerial session, H.E. Amb. Minata Samaté Cessouma, Commissioner for the Department of Health Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development (HHS) of the African Union Commission, noted that the 10-year review is an important exercise that has reinforced MS collective commitments as set out in the Continental Transformative Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Agenda. “Looking forward into the next decade of the Addis Ababa Declaration, we are encouraged at the opportunity to reflect on the unfinished business in the development and implementation of the Second Decade Strategic Plan of Agenda 2063, “said the Commissioner.
Meanwhile, Oliver Chinganya, Director at the African Center for Statistics of the Economic Commission for Africa, recalled the importance of not losing sight of remaining challenges amid celebrations of successes and progress made in the last ten years. Mr. Chinganya highlighted key challenges, including the 60 percent of young people without access to adequate education, the large number of Africans living in slums without access to clean water and electricity, and the over 30 million Africans internally displaced due to wars and instability, calling for renewed focus on addressing these issues.
