Policy-oriented research on population trends
ESCAP publishes reports, working papers, policy briefs and other material analyzing population trends and their policy implications in the Asia-Pacific region. The publications will guide policymakers and all stakeholders.
Latest Publication
Leaving No One Behind: Advancing a Society for All Ages in Asia and the Pacific
This report examines the demographic drivers reshaping the region, analyses the implications for labour markets and the future of work, and highlights the transformative potential of healthy and active ageing. It documents the substantial economic contributions of older persons — through labour, entrepreneurship, unpaid care and social capital — and makes the case for urgently realigning employment systems, social protection and health policies with demographic realities. The report also explores pathways to women’s economic empowerment, recognizing that gender inequality compounds the vulnerabilities of ageing across the life course.
Publications
A practical guide : developing and revising policy documents on older persons in Asia and the Pacific
This publication is a guide for Asia-Pacific policymakers and practitioners in developing and revising policies and programmes on older persons. It provides an overview of (a) global, regional and subregional norm-setting documents that address issues related to older persons and (b) linkages between the Sustainable Development Goals and the priority directions of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (MIPAA). It describes documents, including laws, policies, strategies and action plans. There are templates of these documents and a checklist for developing policies and programmes on population ageing. Tools developed by ESCAP to support member States in drafting and revising policy-related documents on ageing are highlighted. The Annex contains the 2022 outcome document of the Asia- Pacific Intergovernmental Meeting on the Fourth Review and Appraisal of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, which is the most recent region-specific norm-setting document on population ageing in Asia and the Pacific.
ESCAP population data sheet 2022
The Population Data Sheet, published annually by ESCAP, features a range of key indicators on population and development. The focus is on population size, structure and growth rates, as well as fertility, mortality and migration, at country, subregional and regional levels. The Data Sheet is a useful reference tool for researchers, policymakers and other stakeholders.
Promoting decent work opportunities for older persons in the Asia-Pacific region in the context of the fourth industrial revolution
The populations of countries in the Asia-Pacific region are ageing at an unprecedented pace. There are variations across countries, yet all are moving in the direction of increasing absolute numbers and proportions of older persons. Population ageing is driven by declining fertility and mortality, coupled with increased longevity, or the demographic transition. Overall, it is the result of successful economic and social development, and as such, rising life expectancy should be celebrated as one of humanity’s major achievements.
Asia-Pacific report on population ageing 2022 : trends, policies and good practices regarding older persons and population ageing
This report provides an overview of levels and trends in population ageing and the situation of older persons in Asia and the Pacific. It also provides an overview of policies and good practices on population ageing from across the region.
The report is being published following the Asia-Pacific Intergovernmental Meeting on the Fourth Review and Appraisal of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, convened from 29 June to 1 July 2022. The report draws together different documents prepared for the review and appraisal process, including voluntary national survey responses by ESCAP members and associate members, summaries of consultations with non-government stakeholders, and the report and outcome document adopted at the intergovernmental meeting.
Climate change and population ageing in Asia-Pacific region: status, challenges and opportunities
This paper assesses the latest evidence on climate change and population ageing in the Asia-Pacific region. It outlines implications climate change will have on meeting the objectives of MIPAA and the 2030 Agenda. The paper calls for a coherent policy approach that is inclusive and forward-looking. One that protects older persons from climate impacts, reduces their contribution to greenhouse gas emissions and harnesses their potential in climate action. It outlines several recommendations to support Asia-Pacific countries in considering the intersection between climate change and population ageing in the above-mentioned Regional Review. Importantly, it recognizes that older persons must have a voice in climate action.
COVID-19 and older persons in the Asia-Pacific region : the health, social and economic impacts of a global pandemic
The policy paper assesses the latest evidence on climate change and population ageing in the Asia-Pacific region. It outlines implications climate change will have on meeting the objectives of MIPAA and the 2030 Agenda. The paper calls for a coherent policy approach that is inclusive and forward-looking. One that protects older persons from climate impacts, reduces their contribution to greenhouse gas emissions and harnesses their potential in climate action. It outlines several recommendations to support Asia-Pacific countries in considering the intersection between climate change and population ageing in the 2022 Asia-Pacific Intergovernmental Meeting on the Fourth Review and Appraisal of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing. Importantly, it recognizes that older persons must have a voice in climate action.
Events
South-East Asia - Stakeholder Consultation for the Asia-Pacific Fifth MIPAA Review and Appraisal
Check in Meeting with Focal Points on Ageing (South and South West Asia and North and Central Asia)
Check in Meeting with Focal Points on Ageing (East and North East Asia, Pacific and South East Asia)
Blogs and Op-eds
Growing older, staying connected in the digital age
Building a future-ready society so people can live long and age well
