Egypt reaffirmed its commitment to balancing population growth with sustainable development during a high-level address delivered at the 59th session of the United Nations Commission on Population and Development (CPD59), currently underway in New York from April 13 to 17.
Speaking on behalf of the Egypt, Deputy Minister of Health and Population Dr. Abla El-Alfy emphasized the country’s alignment with joint statements issued by the Group of 77 and China, as well as the Arab Group. Her remarks underscored the growing importance of integrating population dynamics with technological advancement and scientific research to accelerate sustainable development.
Population Policy Meets Innovation
El-Alfy highlighted that this year’s session places a critical spotlight on the intersection of demographic trends, innovation, and research — a nexus increasingly seen as essential to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 9, which focuses on industry, innovation, and infrastructure.
She noted that Egypt views population and health challenges through a comprehensive, human-centered framework, stressing that data-driven policymaking and scientific innovation are key to addressing inequalities, reducing poverty, and fostering inclusive economic growth.
Egypt’s Strategic Population Initiatives
The deputy minister outlined several national strategies designed to address demographic challenges, including:
- The National Population and Development Strategy (2023–2030)
- The Urgent Action Plan (2025–2027)
- The National Digital Health Strategy (2025–2029)
These initiatives aim to improve population characteristics across health, education, and nutrition sectors while targeting a reduction in the total fertility rate to 2.1 births per woman.
Measurable Progress in Health and Demographics
Egypt has recorded notable gains in recent years, according to El-Alfy:
- Birth spacing increased from 3 to 5 years, linked to early childhood initiatives such as the “First 1,000 Golden Days”
- Maternal mortality declined to 37.5 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2024
- 97% of births are now attended by skilled healthcare professionals
- Annual births fell below 2 million in 2024 for the first time since 2007
- Fertility rates dropped from 3.5 to 2.4 births per woman over the past decade
Balancing Sovereignty and Global Commitments
While reaffirming Egypt’s full commitment to the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development, El-Alfy stressed the importance of respecting national sovereignty, cultural identities, and religious values in implementing population policies.
Better Life Quality with Tech
Concluding her remarks, El-Alfy framed population dynamics as both a challenge and an opportunity. She called for greater investment in research and innovation to maximize the demographic dividend and ensure equitable development outcomes.
“Technology and science must serve people first,” she said, emphasizing that no one should be left behind in the pursuit of sustainable progress.
The statement reflects Egypt’s broader strategy to align demographic management with economic development, leveraging innovation to improve quality of life while maintaining sustainable population growth.
