UN forum to spotlight intersecting population and development opportunities across Asia and the Pacific

The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) will convene the Seventh Asian and Pacific Conference (APPC) from 15 to 17 November 2023.

With 60 per cent of the world’s population living in Asia and the Pacific, the conference will serve as a crucial platform to delve into the intersection of population dynamics and sustainable development, discussing key demographic trends in the region and the required policy interventions to capitalize on these opportunities.

In the wake of significant strides and progress over the past decades – including health, poverty eradication, sanitation, nutrition and education – the region now stands at a crossroads. Emerging demographic trends, such as population ageing, low fertility and increased migration, coupled with the challenges of socio-economic inequalities and vulnerabilities, and the impact of climate change, disasters, conflicts, the COVID-19 pandemic and digital transformation increase the need for countries to take urgent action.

The conference will also provide an opportunity to review the implementation of the Asian and Pacific Ministerial Declaration on Population and Development and the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development in the region.