Today the National Department of Social Development and UNFPA in South Africa launched the 2014 State of the World Population Report, titled The power of 1.8 billion: adolescents, youth and the transformation of the future.

The report indicates that the largest global youth population in human history, 1.8 billion youth, is alive today. The report highlights youth as an important part of the future, emphasizes the obstacles that threatens their future, advocates for action to secure a demographic dividend as well as making post 2015 count for the youth.

The launch included the participation of more than 150 vibrant young people who took part in a 3 days training on adolescents, youth and sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Present at the launch was the Honorable Minister of Social Development Ms Bathabile Dlamini who addressed the young audience and stressed the importance of education amongst young people in South Africa. Also present, Honorable Deputy Minister Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu who highlighted the critical role of young men in ensuring and leading the path to gender equality.

UNFPA Country Representative, Dr. Esther Muia, stated: "UNFPA is working on empowering all young people to realise their full potential and understand their roles and responsibilities in making a meaningful contribution to the development of South Africa."

During the launch, the young people submitted to the Minister a resolution and messages reflecting issues that young people face in South Africa together with hopes and aspirations for the years to come.

UNFPA congratulates the Department of Social Development and commits to the strengthened collaboration and partnership with Government that will enable us to all work more effectively together and to achieve a world where every pregnancy is wanted and planned; every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled.

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