Leading to ICPD30 No 3: Extracts from UNECE Regional Report on ICPD PoA: (a) Population dynamics and sustainable development

III        Key findings - paras 9 - 16

A         Population dynamics and sustainable development

A “long-term, holistic, rights-based approach” should be taken to population dynamics and its linkages with sustainable development, according to the 2013 Chair’s summary, which called upon UNECE Member States to “invest in human capital across generations by enhancing their access to quality education, decent work and health and social services, prompting healthy lifestyles, and supporting their involvement in decision-making.” Moreover, Member States were encouraged “to reduce CO2 emissions and strive for energy efficiency.”

For all to realize their full potential in the context of inclusive and sustainable development and for “societal adaptation to population ageing” investment in human capital development across the life course is required. Despite 90 percent or higher pre-school enrolment before primary school in most countries, participation levels have decreased since the last review, according to the United Nations SDG Global Database. While it may be caused by disruptions in childcare and early learning during COVID-19, it has the possibility of long-term impacts on child development and outcomes. All countries with data show that at least two-thirds of the population have completed upper secondary education, with higher completion rates among lower cohorts. Gender disparities persist in many countries by gender (often with higher rates among females), place of residence and socioeconomic status.

Participation in education and training increased slightly for older persons between 2015 and 2022, although levels remained low in most countries, demonstrated by fewer than 5 percent of those aged 65-74 participating in countries for which there is data. While levels were slightly higher among women aged 55-65, older people risk being left behind in skills such as information and communications technology (ICT), important both for employment and also full and equal participation in nearly all aspects of society. Additional efforts are required to update skills and increase digital literacy throughout the life course.

The Chair’s summary in 2013, called for healthy lifestyles among young people together with efficient health and social services for ageing societies and the achievement of universal health coverage. COVID-19, however, meant that health services were disrupted, threatening progress on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and major disparities between higher income and low-and-middle income countries and between women and men remain. Progress to UHC is affected by increasing household health expenditures since 2015, while an ageing healthcare workforce and population are also presenting challenges for health systems across the region. There is concern in the region about mental health well-being and suicide mortality rates in the region and while the aggregated level suicide trends are decreasing, between 2015 and 2019 the rate increased in countries and rates in general among those over 65 are twice as high as for the rest of the population.

Median unemployment rates for the region declined from 7.2 to 5.6 between 2015 and 2022, while remaining unacceptably high for some groups, eg young people aged 15 to 24 years and persons with disabilities, which were two or three times higher than for the total working age population. Because of targeted measures, the share of youth not in education, employment or training (NEET) continues to decrease. On average 14 percent more men than women are participating in the work force, with women with young children less likely than men with young children to be employed. Participation of those aged 55 to 64, however, is on average 25 percent lower compared to 25 to 54 year-olds.

Population and sustainable development continue to be shaped by movements of people, seeking education and employment opportunities, from rural to urban areas within and between countries. This has policy implications for both sending and receiving countries and regions. There is a need to ensure that the labour force remains productive and is able to uphold social support systems based on workers contributions in sending countries, which can also be experiencing declining birth rates. The integration of migrants into labour markets and society must also be facilitated in receiving countries with access to decent work, education and healthcare. Furthermore, the rights of migrants, moreover, must be protected with safe, orderly and regular migration.

While CO2 emissions per unit of GDP are falling in most countries, they continue to rise in Central Asia and the South Caucasus, with varying overall rates throughout the region. There has, however, been an increase in the use of renewable energy in the region, accompanied by policy support. In addition 31 countries have submitted low greenhouse gas emission development strategies in accordance with the Paris Agreement. 

New, creative ways are called for to fulfil individual potential and strengthen societies’ demographic resilience given the changing dynamics in the region. These include the education of children and youth; developing new skills during adulthood; and using the opportunities presented by technology while ensuring a gender-transformative approach. The gains in life expectancy and positive trends in healthy lifestyles must be secured, addressing unemployment among young people together with possibilities for productive engagement of older persons. In addition, Governments should mainstream ageing into policy formulation, including towards active and healthy ageing and long-term care systems. An integrated and holistic action is also needed to fulfil commitments to the Paris Agreement and the 2050 net-zero horizon.