From 3-4 September, the Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development (AFPPD) and Asian Population and Development Association (APDA) held their annual conference in Manila, Philippines. The conference, themed “Fulfilling Commitments to ICPD PoA and 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”, was co-hosted with the Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development (PLCPD), supported by the Japan Trust Fund (JTF), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), with the cooperation of Pathfinder International and FP2030.

In the opening session, Hon. Kamikawa Yoko, Chair of AFPPD and Chair of JPFP, reflected on the progress achieved since the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), which marked a global shift in focus toward individual empowerment, and expressed her gratitude for the continued efforts of parliamentarians across the Asia-Pacific region in promoting human rights, gender equality, and sustainable development. She then emphasized that achieving peace requires the elimination of gender-based violence (GBV) and the protection of the rights of women, young people, and older persons. Mr. Pio Smith, Regional Director of UNFPA Asia and the Pacific Regional Office (APFO), stressed that strong political will and investment are essential to ensure lasting progress in gender equality, youth and ageing support, and climate-resilient health services. Hon. Krisel Lagman, MP Philippines and Treasurer of AFPPD, paid tribute to her father, the late Hon. Edcel Lagman, a champion of human rights and reproductive health, and underscored that parliamentarians must legislate boldly.

During the session, participants discussed key challenges facing the Asia-Pacific region, and the formulation of policies and legislation. Hon. Catherine Wedd, MP New Zealand, addressed the urgent need to protect children, particularly girls, from the growing dangers of social media, urging lawmakers to join a global movement for stronger legislation. In the closing session, Ms. Fukuda Tomoko, Regional Director of IPPF East & South East Asia and Oceania Region (ESEAOR), highlighted the central role of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in upholding human dignity and achieving sustainable development, while noting global pushback against these rights. She urged parliamentarians to take key actions, including ensuring consistent funding for SRHR programmes, supporting community-based civil society organizations, and engaging actively in international decision-making on population and development.

On the following day, 5 September, participants visited the headquarters of Meta Philippines for an exchange on combating Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC), strengthening oversight, and promoting safer digital spaces for youth. On challenges regarding age verification and privacy protection, they reaffirming the region’s shared commitment to protecting children online through coordinated action, technological innovation, and policy reform.