“Many Voices, One Vision” at the 2025 International Dialogue on Population and Sustainable Development
© Patrick Meinhold
As progress on sexual and reproductive health and rights faces growing resistance worldwide, over 120 global leaders, activists, and experts gathered in Berlin for the 2025 International Dialogue on Population and Sustainable Development — not just to raise alarm, but to exchange solutions, strengthen alliances, and reaffirm a shared vision: rights, health, and choice for all.
Held on 10 October 2025 under the theme “Many Voices, One Vision: United for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights,” this year’s International Dialogue on Population and Sustainable Development (ID) brought together representatives from governments, civil society, youth networks, development organizations, academia and the private sector. The event took place at a critical juncture: Many hard-won gains over past decades—such as access to contraception, safe childbirth, and the right to decide if and when to have children—are currently under threat. Amid political backlash, funding cuts, and growing opposition jeopardizing fundamental rights, the urgency of these challenges was clear. Nonetheless, the ID was marked by a strong sense of hope and solidarity, reflecting a collective determination to protect and advance sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).
A Strong Political Signal from Germany
In her opening remarks, Reem Alabali Radovan, Germany’s Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, addressed the growing politicization of reproductive rights:
Women’s bodies must not become political battlegrounds.
Reem Alabali Radovan, German Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development
She used the occasion to announce that she is joining the global SheDecides movement as a Champion on behalf of the German government. This sends a strong signal of support for bodily autonomy and reproductive freedom.
What is SheDecides?
SheDecides is a global political movement, established in 2017, fighting for a world where every woman, girl and young person – in all their diversity – can decide what to do with their body, life and future. Champions include governments, civil society organizations, youth leaders, parliamentarians, activists, service providers, researchers, media, artists and donors from all around the world.
Beyond The Numbers: The Human Impact
The conversations in Berlin were rooted in sobering realties:
These figures are not just data points. They represent lives interrupted, choices taken away, and futures altered. The consequences fall hardest on young people, those living in poverty, people with disabilities, and those in crisis settings, who often face the steepest barriers to care.
A Global Dialogue with Diverse Voices
More than 120 participants joined the event, representing countries across Africa, Europe, Asia, and Latin America and a large range of perspectives:
Key Themes from the ID
1. Bodily Autonomy Is Non-Negotiable
Participants were united in the belief that everyone should have the right to make decisions about their own body, health, and future. This includes access to contraception, maternal care, safe abortion, and comprehensive sexuality education.
2. Pushback Is Real—and Growing
Participants warned about a rising backlash against gender equality and SRHR that threatens to reverse years of progress. The shrinking space for civil society and increasing political polarization were recurring concerns.
3. SRHR Is Essential for Sustainable Development
Participants reaffirmed that SRHR is not a niche or just a “women’s issue”—it underpins broader goals in health, education, gender equality, and poverty reduction.
4. From Dialogue to Action
There was a strong call to turn words into action—through better funding, clearer commitments, and inclusive implementation strategies that reflect the voices of those most affected.
A Shared Commitment to Rights and Justice
Despite the serious challenges discussed, the 2025 International Dialogue was marked by a sense of hope and unity. Participants left with renewed energy, strengthened networks, and a shared commitment to advancing SRHR across all regions and at every level.
United, we can create a world where dignity, health, and choice are guaranteed for all.
Nelly Munyasia, Reproductive Health Network Kenya
The ID reinforced a clear message: Every person deserves the right to choose their own future. Turning that vision into reality will require continued collaboration, courage, and a shared responsibility to act.
About the ID
The International Dialogue on Population and Sustainable Development has been co-organized for over 20 years by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), DSW (Deutsche Stiftung Weltbevölkerung), the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), the Bayer AG and GIZ. The 202t edition was hosted at Bayer’s Berlin headquarters.
October 2025