Money Problems, Not Lack of Interest, Are Stopping Young People From Getting Married and Having Children — UN Survey
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.
Nigerian dad of two reportedly passes away in his sleep in the U.K Kayode Ogunbodede, a Nigerian resident in the UK, reportedly d+ed in his sleep in Swansea, Wales, on May 26, 2026.
According to reports, A GoFundMe appeal launched by Olatunde Owoeye-Phoster said the father of two left behind his wife, a student, and two daughters aged six years and six months.
The appeal described his d+ath as sudden and heartbreaking for family members and the Nigerian community in the UK.
Ogunbodede was a member of Elim City Church in Swansea and the Redeemed Christian Church of God. He was remembered as calm, supportive and always willing to help others.
Funds raised from the campaign will support funeral costs, childcare and household expenses for the family. The appeal also noted that his wife is currently unemployed.
At the time of filing this report, £480 had been raised out of the £18,000 target.
@juventus
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As you disappoint us fans with that your dirty naughty freaky brain wey no go even lead you to anywhere
Person go just believe you finished use all school fees stake on you
You still enter ball court Dey play draw with small team
@juventusfc, @juventusfcen just another foolish team wey dem suppose stop paying
If I’m to be GOD and @juventusfc, @juventusfcen was to be my creation
With what they play this night, they have supposed to have perished already
Like dem supposed to just disappear make dem no just reflect in book of life again