MALABO, Equatorial Guinea, July 11, 2024 – In a special event held in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, World Population Day 2024 marked a significant milestone with the launch of UNFPA's flagship State of World Population report. The event, presided over by the Minister of Planning and Economic Diversification, brought together government leaders, population experts, and civil society representatives to discuss the power of inclusive data in building a resilient and equitable future for all. The celebration included active participation from young people, who, through theater and poetry, expressed their visions and aspirations for a more just and sustainable future.

This year's World Population Day theme, "Harnessing the power of inclusive data for a resilient and equitable future for all," emphasized the importance of data as essential tools for understanding demographic trends, addressing current challenges, and designing effective public policies.

The UNFPA report highlighted the progress made in data collection and analysis since the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD). These advancements have enabled countries to measure and achieve goals related to health and human rights, improving the lives of millions of people worldwide. However, the report also pointed out persistent inequalities in access to healthcare and the representation of marginalized communities in data. It stressed the need to ensure that data is inclusive and reflects the diversity of the population, especially those often left behind.

World Population Day 2024 served as a call to action for countries, societies, and policymakers to question whether they are asking the right questions and if their data systems are secure and inclusive for all. The event in Malabo highlighted the importance of counting everyone, in all their diversity, to achieve a more equitable and resilient future. Only then can the ICPD's call to action be fulfilled and ensure that no one is left behind on the path to sustainable development. The launch of the UNFPA report and the celebration of World Population Day in Malabo marked a significant step in promoting the power of inclusive data to build a fairer and more equitable future for all.