Asia and the Pacific stands at the forefront of unprecedented demographic change, with 60 percent of the global population experiencing rapid transitions that will shape humanity's future. This solutions session presents proven strategies from Azerbaijan, Indonesia (TBC), Fiji (TBC), and Thailand, demonstrating how countries at different stages of demographic transition are transforming challenges into opportunities for inclusive and sustainable development.
The session directly addresses WSSD2's three pillars by showcasing concrete, innovative, scalable and replicable solutions to the interconnected challenges and opportunities for demographic transformation. For poverty eradication, participating countries showcase targeted interventions that recognize how poverty intersects with age, gender and disability in ageing societies. On employment and decent work, the session presents innovative approaches including reskilling programmes for older workers, youth employment initiatives bridging generational divides and flexible work arrangements supporting caregivers. Most critically, the session demonstrates social integration through intergenerational solidarity mechanisms that strengthen rather than divide communities.
Building on outcomes from Thailand's Social Development Expo 2025 on "Demographic and Climate Crises," this session offers practical solutions addressing the demographic-climate nexus. Participants will learn how countries are implementing life-course approaches that ensure no age group is left behind, developing age-responsive climate adaptation strategies and leveraging demographic dividends while supporting ageing populations.
The session features high-level government representatives, ESCAP's regional expertise and insights from ASEAN Centre for Active Ageing and Innovation and Tsao Foundation. Interactive discussions will focus on scalable policies, financing mechanisms and regional cooperation frameworks that countries can adapt to their contexts.
This is not only about managing demographic change but it is also about harnessing it as a catalyst for building more equitable, resilient and inclusive societies. Participants will leave with actionable strategies, partnership opportunities and evidence-based approaches to ensure demographic transformation advances rather than hinders sustainable development goals.
