8 April 2026 - The digital revolution was only just beginning when the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) was adopted in 1994. Today, rapid technological advances, from digital communication and data systems to artificial intelligence and biotechnology, are fundamentally reshaping societies and development pathways. We spoke with Yumiko Kamiya in UN DESA’s Population Division about the focus of this year’s Commission on Population and Development and why it matters.
The theme of CPD59 focuses on population, technology and research in the context of sustainable development. How is technology reshaping demographic research and policy planning globally?
“Technology is changing demographic research in two important ways. First, it is helping countries produce better and more timely population data. Digital census tools, administrative records, geospatial information and new digital data sources can help Governments understand where people live, how populations are changing and which groups are being left behind. That matters because good policy starts with good data. Second, technology enables more connected and responsive policy planning, including through better analysis of a population’s spatial distribution, identification of vulnerable groups and assessment of climate risks at the local level. At the same time, technology alone is not sufficient. Without strong governance, ethical standards and a commitment to inclusion, it can deepen inequality rather than reduce it.”
Which emerging population challenges do you expect to be most influenced by advancements in technology, and how is the UN preparing Member States to respond?
“Population ageing, sexual and reproductive health, international migration and urbanization will all be profoundly shaped by technology. Digital health, telemedicine, assistive technologies and tools supporting independent living can improve well-being and ease pressure on care systems. In sexual and reproductive health, new diagnostics, contraceptive technologies and digital platforms can expand access and choice. Migration and urbanization are also being transformed through digital identity systems, remittance technologies, geospatial tools and smarter service delivery. At the same time, digital divides, misinformation, misuse of personal data and unequal access to artificial intelligence risk deepening exclusion. UN DESA’s message is therefore twofold: invest in innovation, but also in the foundations that make innovation fair and effective, including electricity, connectivity, digital literacy, statistical capacity and rights-based regulation.”
Ahead of CPD59, expert consultations highlighted key issues linking population dynamics with digital development. What were the most significant insights from these consultations, and how will they shape the Commission’s deliberations?
“Technology can accelerate progress on population and sustainable development, but only if countries have the foundations in place to use it well. Experts highlighted the potential of digital tools, geospatial data, artificial intelligence, telemedicine and assistive technologies to improve population data, expand access to sexual and reproductive healthcare services, support healthy ageing and strengthen policymaking. They were equally clear, however, that innovation alone is not enough. Without strong statistical systems, affordable and meaningful connectivity, digital literacy, adequate financing and national capacity, technological advances will remain out of reach for many countries and communities. A second major insight was that inclusion, safety and trust must be central concerns. Persistent digital divides, privacy risks, misinformation and technology-facilitated gender-based violence all demand rights-based governance, ethical standards and safety by design.”
How does this year’s theme and focus connect to broader UN-wide initiatives such as the Global Digital Compact and UN 2.0?
“The Global Digital Compact, adopted as part of the Pact for the Future, sets out a vision for an open, free, secure and human-centred digital future anchored in universal human rights and the 2030 Agenda. CPD59 brings a population lens to shared priorities: closing digital divides, governing AI responsibly, protecting personal data and ensuring safe participation in digital spaces. UN 2.0 calls for a more data-driven, innovative and future-oriented United Nations. That vision aligns closely with objectives being discussed and promoted during CPD59: stronger national statistical systems, ethical use of emerging data sources and governance frameworks that centre human rights and equity. Technology is not an end in itself. The Commission's role is to ensure that technological progress serves the over-arching objectives of the International Conference on Population and Development and the 2030 Agenda — advancing health, human rights, gender equality and sustainable development for all.”
UN DESA’s Population Division leads the efforts coordinating, preparing and supporting the work of the Commission on Population and Development, one of the functional commissions of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Learn more about this work here.
For more information: UN Commission on Population and Development