The demographic landscape is undergoing profound transformations across Europe and Central Asia, with far-reaching social, economic, and political consequences. As populations are ageing and, in some cases, shrinking, countries in Europe face mounting challenges regarding the sustainability of social protection, healthcare systems, workforces, and infrastructure. Conversely, in Central Asia – where fertility rates remain higher and populations are still growing – there is a critical window to harness a "demographic dividend" through strategic investments in human capital.
The regional ministerial conference "Leading Change: People-Centred Paths to Demographic Resilience" – organized by the Ministry of Social Policy, Demography and Youth of North Macedonia and UNFPA under the auspices of Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski – comes at a pivotal juncture, as policymakers are being tested as never before to ensure that individuals and countries can thrive amid shifting demographics. Success requires the political will and expertise to project and understand population trends, adapt systems, and harness emerging opportunities in a way that is comprehensive, evidence-based, and firmly centred on people’s rights and needs.
The conference will bring together ministers, global experts, and policy-makers to mobilize political support and exchange sound policy advice.
Five years after the 2021 Ministerial Conference in Sofia, which marked the first time countries from the region came together at ministerial level under the auspices of the UN to discuss the implications of demographic change, the event will take stock of progress made in building demographic resilience and chart the way forward for societies to adapt to, and prosper, in the context of population changes.
“The Ministerial Conference in Skopje serves as a pivotal forum for policymakers to move beyond demographic anxiety toward demographic resilience.”
Florence Bauer, UNFPA Regional Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia
“It is time for global action on demographic resilience. For our country, this is a historic moment—not only because we are the hosts, but because we are the initiators of a process with the potential to create a new global framework for demographic policy. Let us together lead the change—for the people, for the youth, and for the future!”
Fatmir Limani, Minister of Social Policy, Demography and Youth, North Macedonia
