The felicitation ceremony was held during the 46th Annual Conference of the Indian Association for the Study of Population (IASP)—a pivotal gathering of leading demographers, researchers, policymakers, and academics—as India navigates a critical phase in its demographic journey.
The United Nations Population Award bestowed upon IUSSP highlights the organisation’s excellence in research and its steadfast efforts in building global collaboration among demographers. The organisation, currently led by Dr. Shireen Jejeebhoy, has been instrumental in generating high-quality demographic evidence and strengthening analytical capacity worldwide.
Expressing her gratitude, Dr. Shireen Jejeebhoy, President, IUSSP (2022–2025), said: “It is a great honour for IUSSP to receive the 2025 United Nations Population Award. As Former UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem noted, the award affirms IUSSP’s role as a global leader in advancing population science. It recognises our contributions to evidence generation, capacity building, and global networks. At a time of complex demographic shifts—from ageing to climate-related mobility—rigorous, independent research is more crucial than ever. IUSSP remains committed to informing policies that uphold rights and advance sustainable development.”
The IASP conference, held from 27–29 November, is themed “People, Planet, Prosperity: Demographic Drivers of India’s Inclusive Growth.” Jointly organized by IASP, NATMO, and the Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI), the event aims to explore how India can leverage its demographic dividend and address emerging challenges through informed policymaking.
The inaugural session was graced by:
- Chief Guest: Prof. K. N. Singh, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, Central University of South Bihar
- Guest of Honour: Shri Vijay Bharti, IAS, Secretary, Government of West Bengal
- Special Guest: Prof. A. P. Singh, Director General, National Library, Kolkata
Their presence underscored the importance of academic-government partnerships in shaping India’s demographic strategies.
Delivering the keynote address, Andrea M. Wojnar, UNFPA India Representative, emphasized the transformative potential of India’s demographic landscape. She highlighted how population dynamics intersect with climate vulnerability, gender equality, and socioeconomic development.
She remarked: “India stands at the epicentre of a demographic revolution, home to the world’s largest youth population. India’s path to prosperity depends on turning this demographic advantage into a model for resilient, equitable development. Our felicitation of IUSSP today reflects this same conviction—that the power of data, science, and global partnership can ensure every person is counted, every voice is heard, and no one is left behind.”
Discussions throughout the conference reinforced the need for a rights-based, data-driven roadmap for India’s demographic future—one that prioritizes reproductive autonomy, invests in young people, and strengthens social and economic resilience. Experts emphasized that robust demographic evidence is indispensable for designing policies that promote equitable growth.
As India continues its complex demographic transition, the insights generated at IASP 2025—and the global recognition accorded to IUSSP—serve as powerful reminders of the crucial role population science plays in shaping an inclusive, sustainable future.
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