The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has urged governments worldwide to rethink traditional definitions of ageing and reconsider how older persons are perceived, valued and included in society, amid rapid global demographic change marked by declining fertility and rising life expectancy.
Speaking at the 9th Global Symposium on Low Fertility and Ageing, jointly hosted with the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Data and Statistics (MODS), UNFPA warned that long-standing gains in rights, bodily autonomy and reproductive choice must not be compromised by policy responses driven by demographic anxiety.
Ageing is universal — but deeply unequal
This year’s symposium, held from 2–3 December in Seoul, focused on “Rethinking old-age dependency and the engagement of older persons”. Experts stressed that every country is now experiencing population ageing, but the process is profoundly shaped by gender inequalities accumulated throughout life.
Women typically outlive men but receive fewer resources and opportunities, speakers noted. They shoulder disproportionate unpaid care burdens, face income and pension gaps, and often spend more years in poor health or disability — leaving them more vulnerable in later life.
UNFPA highlighted that many older persons globally continue to face exclusion, despite playing essential roles in families, workplaces, and communities. Those traditionally labelled as “dependents”, the event emphasized, frequently make significant financial and non-financial contributions that are largely overlooked.
Call for a new intergenerational social contract
The symposium called for countries to rethink outdated age thresholds and dependency ratios that no longer reflect actual lived realities. Instead, governments were urged to build social and economic systems capable of engaging older people as active contributors while guaranteeing support, care and dignity for those who need it.
“Together, we can build a future where everyone, at every age, is empowered to thrive,” said Pio Smith, UNFPA Deputy Executive Director (Programme) ad interim. “A future where demographic change is met not with anxiety, but with innovation, solidarity, and shared purpose.”
Korea–UNFPA partnership continues to lead global dialogue
The annual symposium, launched in 2017, has become a leading platform for evidence-driven policy exchange on ageing, fertility and demographic resilience. The Republic of Korea — one of the world’s fastest-ageing societies — has used rights-based, data-guided policies to transform demographic challenges into development opportunities.
“The issue of an ageing population is not a challenge for one country alone,” said Yang Soon Pil, Director General of MODS. “It is a structural shift affecting the entire world, though at different speeds. Better solutions emerge when we share experiences and build solidarity.”
Demographic resilience starts with reliable data
UNFPA underscored that building resilience begins with strong data systems. As the UN custodian of census processes and a leader in population dynamics, the agency is expanding its work through a newly integrated focus on demographic change in its strategic plan. This includes supporting countries to anticipate and shape demographic futures through policies anchored in gender equality, rights, and informed choices.
The organization reaffirmed that ageing should not be seen as a burden but as a generational opportunity — provided societies adopt inclusive, evidence-based and forward-looking approaches.
-(25)-20251122062715-20251202031751.jpeg)
-(31)-20251128083257.jpeg)
