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15 July 2026, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. As the world marks World Population Day 2026, the conversation on population is shifting from numbers to people—from demographic trends to the hopes, aspirations and choices of young women and men. This year's global theme reminds us that the future is not determined by population size alone, but by whether young people have the opportunities, rights and support to build the lives and families they envision.This message resonates strongly in Tanzania, where a youthful population presents one of the country's greatest opportunities for concerted investment to drive  inclusive growth for the country's sustainable development. With millions of young people entering adulthood, investing in education, health, skills, employment, gender equality and reliable population data has never been more important.The urgency of these investments is reinforced by UNFPA's Demographic Futures Survey, one of the largest studies of its kind, involving more than 108,000 internet-connected young adults across 73 countries. The findings reveal that young people continue to dream of marriage, parenthood and stable family life. However, financial insecurity, unemployment, housing challenges and uncertainty about the future remain significant barriers to realizing those aspirations. Nearly 88 per cent of respondents said financial security is essential before becoming parents, while 87 per cent highlighted stable employment and 85 per cent emphasized emotional readiness.The survey sends a powerful message: young people are not abandoning family life—they are asking for the conditions that allow them to make informed, voluntary and hopeful decisions about their futures.For Tanzania, these findings echo national priorities. The Government of the United Republic of Tanzania continued to demonstrate strong leadership by integrating population dynamics into national development planning, strengthening demographic data systems and investing in programmes that improve the wellbeing of women, adolescents and young people. Working alongside government institutions, civil society, development partners and communities, UNFPA has remained a trusted partner in ensuring that population data translates into better policies and improved lives.Population data is more than statistics—it is the foundation for planning schools, health facilities, employment opportunities, infrastructure and social protection programmes. Through its longstanding partnership with the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the Office of the Chief Government Statistician (OCGS) in Zanzibar, UNFPA has supported Tanzania to strengthen evidence-based planning and demographic analysis.Among these efforts was UNFPA's technical and financial support to the 2022 Population and Housing Census, one of the country's most important national statistical exercises. Beyond supporting census implementation, UNFPA has worked closely with national statistical institutions to disseminate census findings and develop thematic census reports that provide deeper analysis on issues such as population growth, fertility, mortality, migration, ageing, youth, disability, urbanization and gender. These evidence products are helping policymakers, researchers, development partners and local governments better understand population trends, identify population priorities and design responsive development interventions.UNFPA has also supported innovations in population data visualization, including through Geographic Information System (GIS) such as GIS Portal platform and analytical tools that enable planners to make informed decisions aligned with Tanzania Vision 2050, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union Agenda 2063.Reliable demographic evidence is only one part of the equation. Equally important is investing directly in young people's health, education and leadership.This is reflected in Tanzania's evolving digital landscape. Findings from the 2022 Population and Housing Census Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Analysis show that while mobile phone ownership is now nearly universal, only 14.7 per cent of individuals aged four years and above use the internet, with usage highest among young adults aged 25 to 29 (29.9 per cent) before declining sharply with age. Rural-urban gaps remain wide, with internet use at 27.3 per cent in urban areas compared with 7.7 per cent in rural areas, underscoring that access to information — a cornerstone of informed choice — is still far from equal across the country. Closing this digital divide, particularly for young people and women, will be central to ensuring that population data and the opportunities it unlocks reach every community.Across mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, UNFPA works with government ministries, local authorities, youth organizations and communities to improve access to quality sexual and reproductive health information and services, prevent gender-based violence and harmful practices, strengthen maternal health and create opportunities for meaningful youth participation in decision-making.These achievements would not be possible without the strong collaboration between the Government of Tanzania and development partners whose continued investments are helping transform the lives of young people. UNFPA acknowledges the support of partners including the Governments of Canada, Sweden, Finland, Ireland, Norway, Japan, Switzerland, Denmark, the United Kingdom and other partners who continue to invest in the health, rights and potential of Tanzanian women and young people."Young people are not only the future—they are shaping Tanzania today. By investing in quality population data, education, health systems and youth empowerment, we are creating the conditions where every young person can exercise their rights, realize their potential and contribute meaningfully to sustainable national development. Population data enables smarter planning, but investing in people transforms lives."  — Mark Bryan Schreiner, UNFPA Representative, TanzaniaThe impact of these investments is reflected in the lives of young people across the country.Ashura Mohammed, a 22-year-old from Geita Region, says access to accurate information and youth-friendly services has changed how she thinks about her future. "Young people have dreams, but we also need opportunities and skills. Through programmes supported by UNFPA and its partners, I have gained knowledge about my health, my rights and how to plan for my future. I now believe I can make informed decisions about my education, career and the family I hope to have one day. When young people are supported, we become part of the solution for our communities and our country."As Tanzania commemorates World Population Day, the message is clear: demographic change should never be viewed as a challenge to control, but as an opportunity to invest in people. When young people have access to quality education, healthcare, decent employment, reliable information and the freedom to make informed choices, they become the driving force behind resilient communities, stronger economies and sustainable development. Together, through continued partnership between the Government, UNFPA, development partners and communities, Tanzania is building a future where every young person has the opportunity not only to dream—but to realize those dreams, creating the families they want and contributing to a prosperous nation where every choice counts.