In a world of 8 billion: 8 ways countries can manage demographic change

Later this month, the world’s population is projected to reach 8 billion -- another milestone in the rapid growth of the number of people on this planet. But as the world is preparing to hit this landmark, it is important to keep in mind that the global trend towards an ever-larger world population masks a remarkable diversity of demographic developments at regional and country level.

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Event Summary: Inclusive Family Policies for a Better Future

Summary of UNFPA Eastern Europe and Central Asia's “Inclusive Family Policies for a Better Future” conference which took place in Istanbul on 22 September 2022. The event brought together policymakers, the private sector and experts to discuss gender-responsive family policies in Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

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Well-designed family policies are key for tackling Europe’s demographic woes, speakers say at UNFPA conference

ISTANBUL, 22 September 2022 – Well-designed family policies that benefit women and men are a key element of any successful response to the demographic challenges Europe is facing, speakers said at the opening of a high-level conference organized by UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, in Istanbul today.      “It’s time to tear down the barriers that prevent women and men to have the careers, and number of children, they want,” said Florence Bauer, Director of UNFPA’s Regional Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia. 

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It’s time to tear down the barriers preventing women and men from having the careers, and number of children, they want

Women across Europe and Central Asia are still widely expected to shoulder much of the unpaid work at home: cleaning, managing the household, caring for children, husbands and older relatives. This, to a large extent, explains the gender gap we see in the labour markets. Fewer women than men work in paid employment, and those who do are likely to earn less than men, advance slower, and hold more precarious jobs.

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Bridging digital and generational divides in Moldova

Last year, retired teacher Elena Gobjila returned to the classroom. But this time, she was the student. Under the patient tutelage of Catalina Neghina, her own former student, the 74-year-old learned to use the Internet. "During my first lesson, I told her, Catalina, I taught you to hold a pen, now you have to help me learn all the secrets of the Internet’," said Ms. Gobjila. 

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