Executive Summary

Populations in the UNECE region are ageing. While there are currently about one in six persons over the age of 65, this will be the case for one in five persons by 2030, and for about one in four persons by 2050. Population ageing impacts all spheres of society and is taking place in the context of climate change and fastspeed digitalisation. These complex and interlinked developments call for innovative solutions in line with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Societies need to anticipate and adapt to the social and economic implications of both population ageing and individual longevity to seize the opportunities and mitigate the challenges of this demographic transformation, which include fiscal pressures on social security and protection systems, changing labour market dynamics and family and intergenerational relations. In designing policy responses, it is important to ensure that everyone can realise their full potential across the life course and age equitably, in security and with dignity, leaving no one behind. The importance of policymaking that takes into account the needs and rights of different age groups and population groups (persons with disabilities, migrants, etc.) and assesses the potential impacts of new laws and programmes for them has become even more evident in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Good Health and Well-Being

Reduced Inequalities

Sustainable Cities and Communities