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While progressive governments stood their ground for SRHR amidst pushback, it was the persistence of civil society and young people that brought momentum to an otherwise politically challenging week at the Commission on Population and Development).
In New York, governments, UN agencies and civil society organisations – including Rutgers – came together to review progress and challenges in ensuring health and well-being for all at all ages, as part of the 58th session of the Commission on Population and Development (CPD).
While governments failed to reach an outcome, this year’s CPD was marked by the energy, leadership and collective actions of young people—whose voices, presence, and lived experiences shaped the week like never before.
This year’s CPD showed how impossible it has become to ignore their leadership. United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem amplified the words of youth advocate Hanna Mulugeta from Ethiopia, recognising the urgency in her call for youth representation. Hanna stated: “We are with many. We should be represented at all levels—from decisions to implementation to accountability. We are ready.”
Hanna was part of a broader wave of youth-led advocacy throughout the week, calling for urgent action on sexual and reproductive health and rights for young people.
““We are with many. We should be represented at all levels—from decisions to implementation to accountability. We are ready.” ”Hanna Mulugeta, Development Expertise Center Ethiopia
Challenges in negotiations
An overwhelming majority of countries stepped up to protect the right to health for all, with strong efforts to advance sexual and reproductive health and rights and gender equality. Sierra Leone delivered a cross-regional joint statement on behalf of 78 Member States, emphasising health as a human right and urging accelerated action on universal health coverage, SRHR and gender equality1.
Yet, a small but vocal group of ultra-conservative actors attempted to derail the negotiations, pushing for regressive policies that threaten human rights and undermine the very system designed to uphold them. This obstruction ultimately prevented a resolution on health, — at a time when access to health care and upholding the fundamental rights of all is more urgent than ever.
Additionally, the US officially retracted its support for the SDGs, claiming they were no longer aligned with the Trump administration’s priorities. This decision is a deliberate step backward, and an attempt to weaken global commitments that are vital for translating international promises into tangible improvements in the daily lives of people worldwide.
From setback to spark
Amid these challenges, the resolve of young advocates provided a powerful counterpoint—demanding that their rights will not be sidelined. To amplify this message, Rutgers co-organised a side event with ARROW, CHOICE and the Permanent Mission of the Netherlands to the UN on inclusive youth engagement—where advocates shared their journeys, showcased impact, and inspired the wider audience to back youth-led initiatives. Through interventions at the plenary sessions, Rutgers also emphasised that ensuring SRHR for all, especially young people, is essential to achieve the UN goals for health, gender equality and social and economic development.
Despite the absence of a resolution, CPD58 made one thing clear: a significant majority of countries remain steadfast in their commitment to global agreements and human rights. Meanwhile, young people are not waiting for permission to lead; they must have a seat at the table as their realities and futures are being shaped. At Rutgers, we back their leadership with policy expertise and advocacy support – so that SRHR policies are shaped by those who live them.
Watch a short snippet of Hanna Mulugeta speaking at the UN:
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