The 8th Global Symposium on Low Fertility and Ageing, co-organised by Statistics Korea (KOSTAT), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat (TCS), successfully concluded in Seoul, South Korea, on 27 November 2024. Under the theme ‘Policy Responses to Low Fertility’, the symposium brought together global experts, policymakers, academics and private sector leaders to discuss policy responses to low and declining fertility rates.

With two-thirds of the world’s population living in countries with a total fertility rate below 2.1 children per woman (the approximate ‘replacement level’ at which a population replaces itself from one generation to the next assuming no net migration), the event underscored a global demographic shift that demands comprehensive and rights-based policy responses. Of note, is that an increasing number of people are having fewer children than they would ideally desire because of a range of social, political and economic barriers. 

Over two days, the symposium explored several key areas for policy responses, including: parental leave; supporting conditions for young people; childcare; financial support for childbearing; housing; social and gender norms; and assisted reproductive technologies (ART). This year’s event shifted focus from technical discussions to policy-oriented solutions aimed at providing actionable steps for governments and institutions.

A global challenge requiring shared and coordinated solutions

UNFPA’s Deputy Executive Director, Ms. Diene Keita, delivered a virtual opening address, highlighting the transformative potential of demographic insights to shape policies that foster inclusive development. “As we analyse the demographic trajectory of countries, it is crucial to shift the focus from any negative, reactive or fragmented response to demographic change—towards more positive, anticipatory and integrated responses,” she said.

Dr. Hyoung-il Lee, Commissioner of Statistics Korea, opened the symposium by stressing the urgency of addressing low fertility as a global issue, with particular focus on the Republic of Korea. “The issue of low fertility is no longer confined to specific regions or countries—it has become a global challenge”, he said, highlighting Korea’s recently declared "National Population Emergency” and the country’s leadership in implementing innovative policies.

H.E. Hee-Sup Lee, Secretary-General of TCS, spoke on the shared demographic challenges facing China, Japan and Korea. At the Trilateral Summit in May, leaders from the three countries recognised that these demographic shifts pose threats to long-term social welfare and economic stability. Hee-Sup Lee emphasised the importance of policy exchanges and collaborative efforts across nations in tackling these challenges.

Dr. Asa Torkelsson, Chief of UNFPA’s Seoul Representational Office, called for collaboration in shaping policies that balance demographic resilience with human rights. “By working together, we can develop policies that respond to low fertility while ensuring the wellbeing and rights of all. This means ensuring that population dynamics are factored into development plans, with an emphasis on rights, choices, dignity and equality,” she stated.

Data for evidence-based decision making

In her closing remarks, UNFPA’s Director of Programmes, Ms. Julia Bunting, underscored the complex nature of low fertility.

“No single policy or approach will suffice. The determinants of low fertility are complex and intertwined, requiring integrated strategies to address barriers across multiple domains which will help bridge the gap between desired and actual fertility levels."

Central to this approach is the work of UNFPA’s Demographic Resilience Programme, which supports countries facing low fertility and population ageing. This programme emphasises the importance of strengthening national capacities for data collection and analysis, adapting social policy systems to demographic realities, building human capital, and fostering evidence-based public discourse on demographic changes. Ms. Bunting highlighted the criticality of data in shaping policy, announcing UNFPA’s plans - supported by KOSTAT - to launch a global survey to better understand youth aspirations and anxieties related to fertility .

A range of cross-sectoral interventions

Key discussions on policy responses to low fertility emerging from the symposium underscored the need for a combination of cross-sectoral interventions:

1. Parental leave: Comprehensive, well-paid parental leave policies with equal entitlements for both parents are essential. Such policies would support the realisation of fertility aspirations and reduce gender disparities. 
2. Supporting young people: Facilitating the transition of young people from education to stable, well-paid work is crucial, as are policies aimed at reducing financial uncertainties among young people.
3. Childcare: The provision of high-quality, accessible and affordable childcare should be a priority. Good practices were shared from employers that offer on-site childcare facilities to support their employees. Additionally, the importance of good pay and working conditions for childcare workers emerged as a key issue. 
4. Housing: A lack of affordable housing is a significant barrier to realising fertility aspirations in many countries. Ensuring an adequate housing supply, providing targeted support for affordable housing, and implementing urban and rural planning initiatives to promote a more balanced distribution of work and leisure between cities, towns and rural areas are all important policy responses. 
5. Social and gender norms: Tackling entrenched gender inequalities, particularly around unpaid care and domestic work, is essential for enabling individuals to achieve their fertility aspirations.
6. Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART): Enhancing the affordability and accessibility of ART is an important response to the postponement of births, while balancing safety, innovation and ethical considerations.
7. Multistakeholder approaches: The private sector can play a key role in supporting women and men to achieve their fertility aspirations by adopting family-friendly policies, creating flexible workplaces and ensuring gender equality. Corporate contributions from Lotte Card Company, HD Korea Shipbuilding and IKEA Korea showcased promising initiatives in this area.

Moving forward

Addressing low fertility is not merely a demographic issue but a multifaceted challenge requiring coordinated, long-term efforts from all sectors of society. The symposium reinforced a shared commitment to addressing low fertility with evidence-based, rights-centered, and holistic approaches, paving the way for inclusive, sustainable and resilient societies. The falling birth rates worldwide are a significant trend, but they also offer an opportunity for innovative and rights-based solutions. Now, more than ever, the call to action is clear: “We must continue to adapt our societies and economies to today’s demographic realities,” Julia Bunting concluded. “Governments, civil society and the private sector must collaborate to create policies and programmes that are grounded in rights and choices which will ensure a sustainable and equitable future for all.