What is the likely future direction of population policies in the region?
“Population policies and programmes have to be dynamic and will have to respond to current as well as anticipated future challenges. Continued emphasis and support is needed to further improve reproductive health, particularly of young people who are most vulnerable and comprise the largest cohort. Policies and programmes must continue to recognize that gender equality is central to achieving the ICPD and the MDGs. However, in the not too distant future, more and more countries will enter the new demographic regime characterized by population ageing and increased migration. These trends, together with increases in the level of income, will have significant impacts on the environment and the quality of life and will need to be part of future population policies and programmes”.
