Â鶹APP

Overview

Global megatrends such as income inequality, climate change, demographic shifts, digitalization, and urbanisation are shaping the future of societies. Of these, the Â鶹APP Secretary-General considers demographic shifts one of the most important megatrends defining progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Demographic situations vary greatly between and within countries and regions - from high fertility, youthful populations and population growth to low fertility, population ageing, and population decline. These diverse demographic situations require rights-based approaches underpinned by robust data and evidence to address the challenges and leverage the opportunities of demographic change.

Today, however, an alarmist rhetoric is resurfacing regarding demographic futures and fertility, focusing on population numbers being either too high or too low. This trend risks driving policies centered on demographic targets rather than human rights and well-being. However, a rights-based approach to population policy is not separate from demographic or population health goals; rather, it is foundational. By upholding individual rights and reproductive autonomy, countries can effectively plan for and adapt to demographic shifts. This approach ensures people can make informed, voluntary choices about their bodies, lives, and futures. It also ensures that people are supported at key transitions across the life-course including transitions from adolescence to adulthood, entry into the labor market, and in later life in support of healthy aging. In short, while rights-based population policy is anchored by reproductive autonomy it also supports the human capabilities of individuals and families in a world which is experiencing simultaneous megatrends of rapid urbanization, climate crisis shocks, fragility and conflict and multi-dimensional inequalities.

As the world navigates these unprecedented and diverse demographic shifts, the concept of demographic resilience has emerged as a cornerstone for sustainable development. Demographic resilience is the capacity of societies to anticipate, adapt to, and manage profound population changes - such as ageing, low fertility, and migration - to ensure long-term prosperity and inclusive and gender-equal societies. It entails moving beyond crisis management to evidence-based policies that support human capital, gender equality and rights, resilient and inclusive societies.

At the heart of this resilience lies access to justice across the life course. The law and policy framework and institutional enabling environment shape access to basic rights, choices and opportunities across justice, health, education, economic, and social protection spheres. Across the life course of a woman, different services and support are required including access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights to prevent and respond to gender-based violence. Access to information, services and commodities require a justice system that enables and supports access to rights as well as supporting systems of accountability.

This side-event will explore the critical intersection of demographic shifts, inclusive data systems, and access to justice, emphasizing that a country’s demographic resilience depends on its commitment to human rights and leaving no one behind. Across a range of demographic contexts - from high fertility and youthful populations to populations with low fertility, population ageing and population decline - this session will explore how gender equality and women’s empowerment are shaped by national laws, policies, institutional arrangements and data systems. The event will showcase how a life course approach to rights and choices is crucial in sustaining equitable, inclusive and just societies. The session will underscore why human interactions - from couple relations and care responsibilities to individuals’ engagement with justice, social protection, health and financial systems - need to be supported by universal legal identity and equality before the law, particularly in times of fragility and uncertainty. Central to this effort is the utilization of robust data, specifically through the analysis of census and administrative data, and the strengthening of Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS).

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