DILI, 14 July 2025 (TATOLI) – The Government of Timor-Leste, through the Ministry of Health in partnership with the National Institute of Statistics and UNFPA – the United Nations Population Fund – today commemorated World Population Day 2025 and launched the State of World Population (SWOP) Report 2025 in Dili. This year’s global theme, “Empowering young people to create the families they want in a fair and hopeful world,” highlights the need to center young people’s aspirations and choices in shaping a sustainable future.
In her remarks at the launch event, Madalena Fátima Sarmento Gomes, National Director of the Maternal and Child Health Department representing the Minister of Health, underlined the importance of investing in the well-being and development of Timor-Leste’s young population. “Nearly 60% of our population is under the age of 25,” she said. “These young women and men are not only our future—they are also our present. Yet many still face barriers to making informed and voluntary decisions about their reproductive lives. Addressing these challenges is essential to our progress.”
Domingas Bernardo, Assistant Representative of UNFPA in Timor-Leste, presented key findings from the global SWOP Report, which includes insights from more than 14,000 people across 14 countries. The report reveals that while most people still wish to have two or more children, a growing number find it difficult to realize that aspiration due to economic insecurity, social expectations, and limited access to services.
“This is not about declining birth rates,” said Bernardo. “It is about the obstacles people face in shaping their own lives. Around the world, one in five people under age 50 say they are unlikely to have the number of children they desire. We need to move from fear-based narratives to a future where everyone can make informed and supported choices.”
Timor-Leste is undergoing a significant demographic shift. In 2004, the average number of children per woman was 7.2. By 2022, this had decreased to 3.6, a sign of progress driven by long-term efforts to improve reproductive health services and access to education. While progress is notable, challenges persist particularly for adolescents, people with disabilities, and those living in rural areas who continue to face limitations in accessing youth-friendly services and comprehensive reproductive health information.
UNFPA and the Ministry of Health jointly emphasized the importance of listening to young people and acting on their priorities. “Young people today are asking important questions about their future,” said Dr. Bernardo. “They are thinking deeply about the kind of world they want to raise children in—including concerns about the environment, employment, and stability. These concerns deserve real responses and meaningful support.”
Director Madalena reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to improving health services tailored to adolescents and youth, promoting informed choices, and expanding access to reliable information and care. “Our youth are key contributors to national development. Their voices and experiences matter and must shape our future,” she said.
Elias Ferreira, President of the National Institute of Statistics of Timor-Leste, emphasized the transformative role of data in shaping the country’s future “Data is not just measurement—it is a tool for empowerment. It gives voice to communities, informs national priorities, supports planning and policy development, and guides sustainable development goals.”
The SWOP 2025 Report calls for a shift away from population-related fears and instead urges greater attention to the barriers that prevent individuals, especially young people from exercising their rights and making choices about their reproductive lives. Later this year, UNFPA will introduce a new Youth Reproductive Choices Survey in 50 countries to gather further insights into the realities and needs of young people.
UNFPA and the Government of Timor-Leste reaffirmed their shared commitment to ensuring that:
● Every pregnancy is wanted,
● Every childbirth is safe, and
● Every young person is empowered to shape the life and family they envision.
As Dr. Bernardo concluded: “This is the future we believe in. Together, we can make it a reality—for every young person in Timor-Leste and around the world.”
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
