Asia-Arab Lawmakers Unite for Gender and Youth Justice

Parliamentarians from the Asian Population and Development Association (APDA) and the Forum of Arab Parliamentarians on Population and Development (FAPPD) met in Cairo.

Inclusive legislation, youth empowerment, and anti-violence policies are integral to sustainable development — and these were the central themes at the Inter-Regional Meeting of Asian and Arab Parliamentarians on Population and Development, held in Cairo on October 24, 2025.

The forum highlighted the urgent need for regional collaboration on sexual and reproductive health, youth inclusion, gender-based violence, and sustainable development. It also underscored the importance of legislative reform and multi-sector engagement to address complex social challenges amid shifting demographics and development priorities.

The meeting was jointly organized by the Asian Population and Development Association (APDA) and the Forum of Arab Parliamentarians on Population and Development (FAPPD), in close collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and supported by the Japan Trust Fund (JTF) and the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF).

Key participants included Dr. Abdel Hadi Al-Qasby, member of the Egyptian Senate and Chair of the meeting; Dr. Mohamed Al-Samadi, Secretary General of FAPPD; Professor Keizo Takemi, former Japanese Health Minister and Chair of APDA; and Dominic Allen, Deputy Regional Director for the UNFPA Arab States Office.

Strengthening Health and Social Inclusion

Discussions focused on strengthening sexual and reproductive health (SRH) as a foundation for social and economic progress. UNFPA’s Dr. Hala Youssef emphasized that improved SRH contributes to higher productivity and overall well-being.

“Healthy individuals contribute to a more productive economy,” she said.

Delegates addressed demographic challenges, barriers to healthcare access, and declining donor funding that threaten gains in maternal health and family planning.

Youth as Partners in Development

Youth empowerment emerged as a strategic priority throughout the forum. Policymakers agreed that the region’s overwhelmingly young population must be engaged as active partners in shaping their future, rather than passive recipients of policies.

Dr. Rida Shibli, former member of the Jordanian Senate, stressed, “Youth are partners, not just beneficiaries,” advocating for inclusive platforms that enable young people to influence decision-making.

Tunisia’s reforms — including the establishment of youth councils and vocational training programmes — were cited as examples of effective youth engagement that fosters opportunity and participation.

Addressing Gender-Based Violence

The forum’s open discussion on gender-based violence (GBV) highlighted its serious public health implications.

Mohamed Abou Nar, Chief Programmes and Impact Officer at Pathfinder International, warned that while many countries have enacted strong laws, enforcement remains weak.

“GBV is a public health emergency,” he said, urging the implementation of survivor-centred health services and legal reforms supported by strong community and multisectoral collaboration.

Djibouti MP Hibo Ali Houssein noted that cultural norms still limit access to justice for GBV survivors, while Bahrain’s Dr. Mohammed Ali called for better legislative alignment to harness private sector contributions. “The private sector must provide capital, spark innovation, and create jobs within frameworks that mandate sustainability,” he said.

Country Achievements and Commitments

The forum also showcased country-specific achievements. Cambodia is on track to graduate from Least Developed Country status by 2027, with strong economic partnerships driving its growth.

“Peace has brought stability, which in turn nurtures development and growth,” said MP Chandara Khut.

Sarah Elago from the Philippines called for increased investment in adolescent pregnancy prevention and maternal health, asserting, “Development is measured by dignity, equality, well-being, and the everyday experiences of women, youth, and the people — not merely by numbers.”

In closing, delegates urged parliamentarians, governments, and partners to transform dialogue into action, stressing transparency, accountability, and regional solidarity as essential to achieving shared development goals.