Policy dialogue on youth engagement and population ageing adaptation

Delegates attending the program. Photo: Mai Hoa

The program was attended by 160 delegates representing the Central Secretariat of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Ministry of Home Affairs , the Ministry of Health, the Vietnam Association of the Elderly, the Vietnam Youth Support Center, the Vietnam Youth Academy, the Institute of Youth Studies, the Institute of Sociology and Psychology, HelpAge International, the Ho Chi Minh City Social Work Center, universities, the Elderly Club, experts, Youth Union officials, youth volunteers, etc.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Secretary of the Central Committee of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union Nguyen Tuong Lam affirmed: "Vietnam is entering an important stage in the process of national development, we cannot help but realize that population aging is a major problem that we need to face in the near future. Changes in population structure not only affect the economy , but also directly affect social areas, especially employment, health care, education and social welfare".

Secretary of the Central Committee of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union Nguyen Tuong Lam speaks at the program. Photo: Mai Hoa

Secretary of the Central Youth Union Nguyen Tuong Lam emphasized: “To adapt to population aging, the young generation needs to take good precautions regarding mental health, spirit, non-communicable diseases, finance, etc. At the same time, promote the tradition of Vietnam, honor the dynamic and creative spirit of young people in caring for and accompanying the elderly. Young people become the bridge between the past (the elderly) and the future (the young). With that spirit, young people, as the key generation in the future, need to be equipped with knowledge, skills and appropriate support policies to not only adapt but also proactively contribute to this process. Therefore, building appropriate policies to support young people to develop comprehensively, creatively and master the innovation process is an indispensable important factor.”

Vietnam’s population has surpassed 100 million, making it one of the most populous countries in the world. This means a large domestic market, a dynamic and skilled workforce and strong potential for innovation. In particular, Vietnam now has the highest proportion of young people in its history: the 10–24 age group accounts for 21% of the population and two-thirds of the population is of working age. This is a “golden demographic opportunity” that helps promote socio-economic development, but it is limited in time – it is forecast to end by 2039. Therefore, strategic investment in education, decent work and health services is extremely urgent. At the same time, Vietnam is entering a period of rapid aging. By 2036, the number of people aged 60 and over will account for more than 20% of the population. This opens up the potential for a “silver economy” – the development of new products and services in health, care and technology. But to take advantage of these opportunities, society needs to transform – with young people at the heart of the solution.

Raising these contents, the Representative of the United Nations Population Fund, Mr. Matthew David Jackson, Chief Representative of UNFPA in Vietnam emphasized: “Empowering young people through knowledge, skills and initiative will help them be ready for the future and contribute effectively to sustainable development. Investing in young people today is building a comprehensive and strong Vietnam in the future”.

Delegates take souvenir photos at the program. Photo: Mai Hoa

Within the framework of the program, delegates exchanged, discussed and shared information on the situation of population transition in the world, population policies to adapt to the population change process in Vietnam, opportunities and challenges for young people; as well as shared some results of international organizations in Vietnam in supporting Vietnam in building a model to adapt to population aging. In particular, delegates recommended that young people should soon have a plan to live and work healthily, be ready to adapt to a healthy and happy old age, as well as suggest job directions for young people related to elderly care in Vietnam.

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/doi-thoai-chinh-sach-ve-su-tham-gia-cua-thanh-nien-voi-thich-ung-voi-gia-hoa-dan-so-703994.html