Maxim Oreshkin and Jelena Milicevic-Prorokovic on demography and the future of society

Demographic change determines not only population size, but also the structure of society, the labour market, the economy and the role of the family in people's lives. In the new episode of the Summer Expert Meetings of the Open Dialogue, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office of Russia Maxim Oreshkin and UNRAD initiative coordinator Jelena Milicevic-Prorokovic discuss why demographic policy is becoming one of the key factors in long-term development and how countries can respond to the challenges of declining birth rates and ageing populations.

The discussion focuses on the consequences of demographic decline for the economy and the social sphere, changes in family structure and the need for society to adapt to new conditions. Maxim Oreshkin noted that the issue currently receives insufficient attention. At the same time, according to the expert, demography has an enormous impact on virtually every area of life.

The participants also discussed human capital, support for families and the development of conditions in which people can fulfil their desire to start families and have children.

"Here we are talking about the ability and capacity of states, in the long term, to ensure demographic renewal in their countries, as well as to develop human capital and maintain the necessary level of social conditions, social services for families and people's well-being. Because people must be at the centre of every policy we pursue," Jelena Milicevic-Prorokovic said.

The experts also discussed life expectancy and its impact on society and the economy. In this discussion, demography is presented as more than just a matter of statistics. Watch the episode to find out why it will determine people's quality of life in the coming decades.