As the world has the prospect of reaching 8 billion people by the end of this year, Rwanda is projected to have a population size of 13 million people in 2022 according to the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR). This milestone is a moment for celebration. As we celebrate, let us remember what this population growth implies. UNFPA together with our partners must and should continue to support the dedicated efforts of the Government and people of Rwanda through the 2022 5th Population and Housing Census ongoing under the theme: “Be counted because you count” as put in Kinyarwanda “Ibaruze kuko uri uw’agaciro”, to have the data to inform decisions and policies to build the Rwanda We Want and the Africa We Want. The population dynamics bring opportunities to harness the demographic dividend as young people form 70% of the population. In addition, it presents the prospect to leverage inclusive development leaving no one behind which is embedded in the National Strategy for Transformation (NST1). Message of the Representative The updated population data through the census will help to inform not only decisions and policies, but also strategic planning, effective implementation, monitoring of interventions and data disaggregation which is crucial in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). At UNFPA, we advocate for measuring and anticipating demographic changes with its emerging opportunities and challenges in addressing maternal mortality, voluntary family planning and addressing gender based violence often which is below the waterline of visibility. We commend the Government of Rwanda for its strong leadership and commitments made to support Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights for all and together with our partners, including donors, private sector and civil society organizations in achieving the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) programme of action.