Lancet Commission on 21st Century Global Threats to Health: Considerations for the ICPD Agenda

On the occasion of the thirtieth anniversary of the landmark International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD30), UNFPA hosted a conversation on the Lancet Commission on 21st Century Global Threats to Health, with a focus on the considerations for the ICPD agenda.

As part of the “Let’s Talk SRHR!” series, the conversation offered a virtual space for stakeholders including civil-society members and young people to discuss the links between the work of the Commission and the aims of the ICPD agenda.

Lancet Commissioners reflected on the serious threats to human life over this century and highlighted how these threats are likely to develop if left unaddressed. The discussion covered the most significant threats for young people, both now and in the future.

Among the topics, participants reflected on the benefits and potential harms associated with artificial intelligence in relation to the rights and health of all. The talks also explored how pollution can affect reproductive health. Further, the conversation delved into solutions to threats as well as opportunities for collaboration across various fields and by a wide range of actors.

The conversation was moderated by Will Zeck, Chief of UNFPA's Programme Liaison Branch. Speakers included Lancet Commissioners; Dr. Natalia Kanem, UNFPA Executive Director; Maziko Matemvu, President and Founder of Uwale; Lothar Wieler, Chair for Digital Global Public Health of the Hasso Plattner Institute; and Luiz Augusto (Guto) Galvão, Senior Researcher CRIS/FIOCRUZ.

The Lancet Commission on 21st Century Global Threats to Health was established to assess and respond to current and future threats to global health and well-being, before it is too late. The Commission is driven by a group of experts in global health across distinct groups, including former heads of state, public health leaders, academic figures and civil-society representatives, who will work to find cross-cutting tools and solutions.

Watch the full conversation here.