Cairo: The third Global Congress on Population, Health, and Human Development (PHDC 25) concluded its four-day event in Cairo, Egypt, under the theme 'Empowering People, Advancing Progress, and Unlocking Opportunities.' The conference attracted 794 keynote speakers and debaters, including over 130 international figures and more than 32 government ministers and officials.
According to Qatar News Agency, Egypt's Deputy Prime Minister for Human Development and Minister of Health and Population, Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, highlighted the participation of over 120 regional, global, and national entities. These participants engaged in 198 panel discussions, workshops, and training programs, resulting in several key takeaways. Among these were the integration of development and population policies, economic empowerment of women, the expansion of technical education, and the promotion of multilateral cooperation.
Dr. Ghaffar emphasized the significance of integrating development visions with population issues from an inclusive perspective, which encompasses economic and social empowerment. He noted the importance of digitizing population data and converting red zones into green through a unified digital platform and AI, as well as providing sustainable health funding.
The conference also underscored the need for fostering education and lifelong training by expanding technical education and blending AI-powered skills. Engaging youth in policymaking and providing holistic social protection, including support for informal workers, were also highlighted. Enhancing multilateral cooperation through regional and global platforms to share AI expertise was deemed crucial.
PHDC 25 discussions centered on global health, linking healthcare with education, housing, and the economy through equitable policies aimed at improving quality of life. The conference aimed to ensure universal health coverage and strengthen healthcare financing, governance, and workforce. Key themes included the care economy, comprehensive development, women's empowerment as a pillar for sustainable growth, social protection, economic justice, and expanding access to services and opportunities to reduce poverty and societal gaps.