Youth and Intergenerational RElations

Uncover how youth and people across the life course are affected by and affect social and economic development

Youth play a key role in strengthening intergenerational relations across age cohorts

As Asia-Pacific countries transition from high to low fertility and mortality levels, their population age structures change. In the 1950s, the region’s number of children (aged 0—14) and working-age people (aged 15—64) began to rise. The number of children peaked in the mid-1990s, followed by general decline, while the number of working-age people will peak in the mid-2030s. The number of young people (aged 15—24) increased from 277 million in 1950 to 715 million in 2024 and is projected to decline to 589 million by 2050. In contrast, the number of older persons (aged 65 or above) has grown since the 1950s and is projected to go from 503 million in 2024 to 996 million in 2050, about three and a half times the number of children under age five.

The demographic transition and related age structure changes affect all Asia-Pacific countries. Although the onset, duration, speed and impacts vary by country and subregion, fundamental changes are occurring. Never before in history have so many people of different ages been living together.

Mandates

The World Programme of Action for Youth (WPAY), adopted by the General Assembly in 1995, provides a policy framework and practical guidelines for national action and international support to improve the situation of young people around the world. The WPAY covers fifteen youth priority areas and contains proposals for action in each of these areas.

At the Summit of the Future, held in 2024, world leaders adopted the Pact for the Future - a commitment to building a safer, sustainable and inclusive world for future generations. This pact encompasses five key focus areas, including Youth and Future Generations. The actions under this theme prioritizing investments in the social and economic development of children and young people, promotion and protection of their human rights and enhancement of meaningful youth participation at national and international levels.

At the World Social Summit, held in 2025, governments adopted the Doha Political Declaration, and, among many other commitments, pledged to promote intergenerational solidarity, inclusive dialogue and social cohesion.

ESCAP includes youth and addresses the topic of intergenerational relations in its intergovernmental meetings and its research on social development.

ESCAP also supports the ECOSOC Youth Forum, held annually.

Youth Policy Toolbox

The Youth Policy Toolbox is a platform by youth, for youth and policymakers. It serves as a hub for sharing knowledge, experiences, and good practices in the Asia-Pacific region. The platform is regularly updated with videos and materials focused on youth engagement, employability and youth rights. The Youth Policy Toolbox highlights the importance of youth voices and empowers those advancing youth engagement. Key features of the Youth policy Toolbox include:

E-Learning: Access courses on youth rights, employability, and participation.
Meet the Youth: Understand youth perspectives and engagement strategies.
Good Practices: Explore youth-led projects shaping policies worldwide.
Resources: Find tools to support your own policy initiatives.

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