Population Council
The Population Council is a global research organization focusing on issues related to adolescents, gender equality, climate change, and sexual and reproductive health. It operates in multiple countries and publishes influential journals in the field of population and development.
Focus Areas for Adolescents and Young People
The Population Council works on critical issues affecting adolescents and young people. The organization operates programs aimed at promoting sexual and reproductive health, rights, and choices. Specific initiatives include the Adolescent Girls Empowerment Program in Zambia and the Ishraq program to empower out-of-school adolescent girls in Egypt. Additionally, research like the Survey of Young People in Egypt and the Understanding the Lives of Adolescents and Young Adults (UDAYA) study in India inform national policies and identify solutions for young people.
Commitment to Gender Equality and Equity
Promoting gender equality and equity is a fundamental objective for the Population Council. The organization operates the Girl Innovation, Research, and Learning (GIRL) Center to advance gender equity. Programs such as Abriendo Oportunidades in Guatemala support rural adolescent girls, while the Berhane Hewan program in Ethiopia works to delay marriage and improve education for girls. Additional initiatives include addressing gendered and intersectional inequalities in Zambia.
Addressing Climate and Environmental Changes
The Population Council is actively involved in finding sustainable solutions to climate and environmental changes through the Population, Environmental Risks, and the Climate Crisis (PERCC) Initiative. This initiative focuses on identifying and mitigating the environmental risks associated with population dynamics. By integrating climate resilience into their strategies, the organization strives to create sustainable futures in vulnerable communities.
Sexual and Reproductive Health Initiatives
The Population Council's efforts in sexual and reproductive health span global regions, including significant contributions from the Center for Biomedical Research (CBR). The CBR focuses on developing innovative and affordable products for sexual and reproductive health. Projects like improving reproductive health services in Egypt and HIV prevention and treatment in Zambia showcase the Council’s commitment. Additionally, the organization promotes access to high-quality sexual and reproductive health services in Nigeria and works on reducing stigma among MSM and transgender people.
Global Research and Publications
Conducting and disseminating research is central to the Population Council’s mission. The organization publishes two major journals: the Population and Development Review and Studies in Family Planning. In addition, they maintain an extensive publications library for broader research dissemination. The Council's research supports evidence-based policies and programs in multiple countries, such as the Humanitarian Task Force (HTF) for emergency solutions and the Gender, Education, Justice, and Equity (GEJE) hub addressing global learning crises and inequities.
Programs and Initiatives Around the World
The Population Council operates in several countries, each with targeted programs that address local needs. In Guatemala, the Abriendo Oportunidades program supports rural adolescent girls. In India, the Understanding the Lives of Adolescents and Young Adults (UDAYA) study informs national policy. Egypt hosts research to improve reproductive health services and programs like Ishraq to empower out-of-school girls. In Zambia, the Council runs HIV prevention and treatment programs, along with addressing gendered inequalities. The FP2030 North, West, and Central Africa Hub supports family planning initiatives across the region.