Questions:•Is population ageing a threat for the countries? •Is migration a threat or opportunity for development?•Is fertility in the region too low?•Are countries becoming less equal societies?

Themes:•Investment in human capital, particularly education and health, is essential.•Societies can prosper without growing populations.

South-Eastern Europe (SEE): Albania, MontenegroBosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkey

Eastern Europe and Caucasus (EEC): Armenia; Azerbaijan; Belarus; Georgia; Republic of Moldova; Russian Federation; Ukraine

Central Asia (CA): Kazakhstan: Kyrgyzstan; Tajikistan; Turkmenistan; Uzbekistan

Solutions and interventions

• Take a long-term, holistic approach to population issues;

• Focus on people rather than numbers• Reconsider assumptions about low fertility and

ageing• Take a cross-sectoral approach to migration• Make gradual and continuous policy changes to

support the vitality of ageing populations• Invest in human capital throughout the life-cycle• Strengthen regional cooperation and governance

“The needs and development concerns of middle-income countries do not always attract the attention they should. Despite notable reductions in poverty levels, many middle income countries face rising inequality, the persistence of extreme poverty, and a lack of adequate social security systems. Further efforts are needed to improve safety nets and economic security.” –UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, addressing the High Level Economic and Social Council Meeting, 10 March 2011