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Employment and social protection in the new demographic context

At its 310th Session (March 2011), the Governing Body placed an item on “employment and social protection in the new demographic context” on the agenda of the 102nd Session (2013) of the International Labour Conference for general discussion. The new demographic context is principally characterized by declining fertility and increasing life expectancy worldwide, resulting in “population ageing”. This trend is affecting all countries in all regions, industrialized and developing, albeit at different rates and within different time horizons. By 2050, it is projected that the population over 65 will triple while the population under 15 will stabilize, resulting in ageing populations across the world. Three quarters of the older people will live in developing countries.

Reports to the Conference

  1. Employment and social protection in the new demographic context

    05 April 2013

    The changing age structure of the population raises issues of possible shortages in labour supply and skills, productivity and innovation and the provision of adequate social protection and other services for an increasingly ageing population. The report analyses these implications and the policy directions that are being developed and debated.

Background information

  1. Closing remarks by the ILO Director-General to the 102nd International Labour Conference

    20 June 2013

  2. © Monty Rakusen/Cultura Creative 2024

    Action needed to provide jobs and social protection for growing and ageing populations

    19 June 2013

    Governments, employers’ and workers’ organizations must take action to ensure decent job opportunities and social protection for growing and ageing populations, concludes the International Labour Conference Committee on Employment and Social Protection in the New Demographic Context.

  3. © Pan Kanjun / ImagineChina 2024

    No sustainable development without environmental sustainability and decent work

    19 June 2013

    The contribution of the world of work to the greening of the economy is critical – and presents a real opportunity – to realize the ILO’s social goals, concludes the ILC Committee on Sustainable Development, Decent Work and Green Jobs.

  4. Sustainable development, decent work and green jobs

    18 June 2013

    Achieving environmental sustainability and creating decent jobs for all are both urgent challenges. Delegates at the 102nd International Labour Conference are looking at ways of tackling both issues, which are closely linked.

  5. Mexico and the ILO sign cooperation agreement on social protection floors

    17 June 2013

    The agreement was signed by the Minister of Labour and Social Protection of Mexico, Alfonso Navarrete Prida, and ILO Director-General, Guy Ryder, during the International Labour Conference in Geneva.

  6. African Union: Job creation key to achieve prosperity

    17 June 2013

    Addressing the 102nd International Labour Conference, African Union Commission's Chair, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma has echoed African leaders' vision that job creation is among the most important factors to achieve growth and prosperity. Dr. Dlamini Zuma also highlighted that Africa is a continent of young people and called for more investment to promote employment and the provision of entrepreneurial skills for youth.

  7. Environmental sustainability is key to the labour market

    14 June 2013

    The International Labour Conference in Geneva at the role of the world of work in preventing further environmental degradation.

  8. Van Rompuy: Growth and jobs are the ultimate goal of all reforms

    14 June 2013

    Ahead of the European Council meeting, European Council President, Herman Van Rompuy, addresses the International Labour Conference and says that the ILO has a key role to play in helping to address the challenges that Europe faces.

  9. Employment and social protection in the new demographic context

    14 June 2013

    Demographic change including population ageing is a universal trend in all countries. Delegates at the 102nd International Labour Conference are discussing the implications of this new demographic context on the labour market and social security systems.

  10. Early and long-term unemployment leave deep scars says EC President

    14 June 2013

    President of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy highlighted the need to urgently tackle the youth unemployment crisis in his address to the ILO's 102nd International Labour Conference. He said the European Council has redirected considerable amounts of EU funds, which have directly benefited 800,000 young people in the eight most affected countries.

  11. Van Rompuy says situation of youth in Europe "dramatic", "severe"

    14 June 2013

    The President of the European Council highlights the need to urgently tackle the youth unemployment crisis.

  12. Demographics challenge world of work, social protection

    07 June 2013

    Population ageing is one of the key issues being discussed at the International Labour Conference in Geneva. Delegates are focusing on the impact of this demographic trend on employment and social protection.

  13. © Said Khatib / AFP 2024

    Palestinian economy will not grow if restrictions on it remain, ILO says

    06 June 2013

    The ILO’s annual report on the situation of workers of the occupied Arab territories calls for the lifting of restrictions on movement, employment and economic activity, in order to increase opportunities for decent work.