New demographic support measures were discussed at the RUSSIA EXPO
On May 22,
the plenary session of the demographic forum of the Northwestern Federal
District was held at the RUSSIA EXPO as part of the Days of Regional
Development "Space of the Future". Its participants discussed new
effective support measures that could become the basis for a strategic document
of the state demographic and family policy.
As the
Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Russian Federation Anton
Kotyakov noted in his speech, this forum is the first of eight demographic
forums to be held within the Year of the Family in all federal districts.
"We
live in a multi-ethnic, multi-confessional country, but regardless of
nationality and religion, family is the core value for each of our citizens.
This is the strength of Russia. Our common task is to do everything possible to
ensure that a strong multigenerational family remains the foundation of our
country. Population preservation, health promotion, improvement of people's
welfare, support of their families - this is the goal that our President has
defined for us," Anton Kotyakov emphasized.
According
to the head of the ministry, today together with deputies, representatives of
public organizations, expert community a resolution with proposals that will be
included in the strategic document on demographic policy of Russia will be
adopted. And it is important to hear an assessment of the current state of
affairs and take into account the rich experience of work in the subjects and
various sectors.
Alexander
Gutsan, Plenipotentiary Envoy of the President of the Russian Federation to the
Northwestern Federal District, noted that this is the first time such a forum
has been held in our country: "The Northwest has become a pilot district
for such an event. Thanks to the Ministry of Labor and heads of regions of the
district we are at this forum today. Its main task is to develop consolidated
proposals and a strategic document in terms of demographic family policy, which
will be adopted at the end of this year. The issues addressed today at the
discussion platforms are key to the development of demographic potential of our
country".
Before
preparing the final document it is necessary to assess the state of affairs,
Olga Batalina, First Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Protection of Russia,
noted in her speech.
"We
are in a difficult demographic situation. After a three-year period of natural
population growth in 2013-2015, we are gradually experiencing a period of
demographic decline. The causes of demographic problems have a historical basis
- today, year after year, the few generation born in the 90s is becoming young
parents. Now all our efforts should be aimed at increasing the intensity of
births," Olga Batalina emphasized.
Within the
framework of the Demographic Forum of the Northwestern Federal District on May
22, the Exposition hosted the discussion platforms "Young Family and
Family Infrastructure", "Large Family and Family Values" and
"Multigenerational Family". Experts discussed social problems of
young families, introduction of corporate practices to support large families
and other important demographic issues.
