Translated with AI
Michael Herrmann, an expert with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), called for a rethinking of approaches to fertility, migration, and population aging, emphasizing that demographic change is not a catastrophe but requires adaptation and long-term planning, according to the UN press service.
According to him, about 20% of adults worldwide are unable to have as many children as they planned. Moreover, despite the planet's population growth, many families limit themselves to one child, although they would like to have two.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 59th session of the Commission on Population and Development in New York, Herrmann emphasized that the response to declining fertility should not be pressure on citizens or panic measures. Instead, he called for supporting people's right to choose and creating conditions conducive to making decisions about having children.
The UN is increasingly using the concept of "demographic flexibility," which refers to countries' ability to adapt to change, take it into account in planning, and capitalize on it. This approach, according to the expert, could be beneficial both for countries with aging populations and for those in the early stages of demographic transition.
Speaking about the shrinking working-age population, Herrmann noted that raising the retirement age is not a universal solution. He proposed developing flexible forms of employment and creating conditions that allow older people to continue working, taking into account their experience and capabilities.
The expert paid special attention to migration, calling it a key factor in demographic change. He noted that with the right policies, migration can offset population decline; however, without a systematic approach and integration of newcomers, it could lead to increased unemployment and social tension.
Herrmann also expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of direct cash transfers to stimulate birth rates. He argued that such measures do not produce long-term results. He cited high housing and education costs, uncertainty about the future, and social and environmental risks as key factors holding back fertility.
Furthermore, the expert emphasized the importance of the gender aspect, noting that in a number of countries, a significant portion of childcare responsibilities still falls on women, which influences their decisions to have children.
He also cautioned against attempts to regulate birth rates through administrative measures, including restrictions on rights or the cancellation of educational programs. He believed that a more effective approach is based on respect for human rights and dialogue with society.
Speaking about population aging, Herrmann noted that it does not necessarily lead to economic decline. On the contrary, the growing number of older people can facilitate the development of new economic sectors, including healthcare.
At the same time, he identified the key task as involving previously underutilized groups in the economy – women, youth, and migrants – as well as the development of technology and investment in human capital.
