New demographic support measures were discussed at the RUSSIA EXPO

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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.