By 2050, the number of older persons in Asia and the Pacific is projected to double, with one in four being 60 years or older. Thailand is on the path to becoming a super-aged society by 2030, with 21.3 per cent of its 72.1 million population being 65 or older.

This demographic shift, coupled with the Fourth Industrial Revolution, COVID-19, and environmental changes, will impact the labour force and necessitate investment in skills, employment, and age-friendly work environments.

To address this issue, ESCAP and the College of Population Studies, Chulalongkorn University (through the Collaborating Centre for Labour Research at Chulalongkorn University and the Network in Promoting Decent Work for Older Persons for a More Inclusive and Age- Friendly Society), were co-organizing a national workshop on strengthening older persons’ labour force participation and harnessing the potential of the Fourth Industrial Revolution in Asia and the Pacific.

This workshop aimed to facilitate policy dialogue among various ministries, public and private sectors, civil society organizations, academia and international organizations.

Participants discussed the implications of population age structure changes for sustainable development and explore challenges and opportunities for older individuals and the future of work.

The workshop was conducted in English, with simultaneous Thai translation.

The meeting took place on 10-11 May, 09:00-16:00 (UTC+7) in Bangkok and online.