Introduction

The Asia-Pacific region is demographically diverse. Some countries have youth bulges, many others are experiencing population ageing at an unprecedented pace. Sooner or later, all countries will experience population ageing, and hence, even countries with youthful populations can benefit from understanding the dynamics of population ageing in order to plan forward-looking policies that address age structure changes in the immediate and longer-term future. In this context and as part of preparations for the Asia-Pacific Intergovernmental Meeting on the Fourth Review and Appraisal of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, to be held from 29 June to 1 July 2022, ESCAP is organizing a regional expert forum on “Harnessing Intergenerational Benefits of Demographic Change in Asia and the Pacific: Engaging all Groups from Youth to Older Persons”, on 22 June 2022.

Objectives of the forum

The forum provided an opportunity for member States and stakeholders to discuss population age structure changes in connection with sustainable development, with a focus on challenges and opportunities concerning the demographic dividend and gender dimensions, and older persons and the future of work. Participants will exchange good practices and lessons learned on addressing these changes through development policies in order to reduce inequalities, including those related to gender.

Target audience

Participants, in an expert capacity, are from ministries concerned with the demographic dividend and gender dimensions, as well as older persons and the future of work, such as ministries dealing with youth and ageing populations, gender and statistics, education, labour, health and foreign affairs, as well as relevant stakeholders from civil society, academia and the private sector. Participants are also from other United Nations entities.