A new global survey by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has found that while most young people still want to get married, build long-term relationships and have children, financial hardship, unstable jobs and housing challenges are preventing many from achieving those goals.
The Demographic Futures Survey, one of the largest of its kind, gathered responses from more than 108,000 internet-connected adults aged 18 to 39 across 73 countries and territories.
According to the report, over two-thirds of respondents said they want to marry or live with a partner, while nearly 80 percent believe being in a stable relationship is important before becoming a parent.
However, 57 percent identified financial insecurity, unstable employment and housing costs as the biggest obstacles to marriage or long-term relationships.
UNFPA Executive Director Diene Keita said the findings show that young people remain hopeful about their future despite the challenges.
“Young people carry an inspiring sense of hope and a clear vision for their families and futures,” Keita said, adding that removing financial barriers would help them make the choices that are right for them and build stronger communities.
The survey also found that financial stability, secure employment, and psychological and emotional readiness were the top conditions young people considered necessary before having children.
Sharing their experiences, a young woman from India said choosing the right partner is essential because raising a child should involve shared emotional and financial responsibility.
UNFPA said the findings suggest that concerns about declining birth rates should focus less on whether young people value family life and more on creating the economic conditions that allow them to build the families they want.
