A youth-centered approach to demographic change

Across the world, demographic change is reshaping societies. More than two-thirds of people now live in countries where fertility is below replacement level, while virtually every country is experiencing population aging. These trends affect far more than population numbers. They shape labor markets, health systems, social protection, pensions, education, gender equality and sustainable development. Above all, they raise important questions: What kind of future do young people want? What barriers stand in their way? And how can policies help them realize their aspirations?

The theme of this year's World Population Day, "Realizing the hopes and aspirations of young people — today and for the future", brings these questions into focus. World Population Day falls on July 11.

A new United Nations Population Fund report, "Lives, Choices and Futures: What young people want and what shapes their decisions about relationships and parenthood", provides one of the largest bodies of evidence to date on how young people view partnership, parenthood and the future. Drawing on the views of more than 108,000 internet-connected young adults ages 18 to 39 in 73 countries, it concludes that young people are not rejecting family life.

Across regions, many continue to value partnership, marriage and parenthood. More than two-thirds of respondents said that their ideal living arrangement involved marriage. An ideal family size of two children was reported in five of the seven regions surveyed, while larger ideal family sizes were more common in East and Southern Africa and West and Central Africa.

But aspirations alone do not shape life choices. The ability to form a partnership, have children or build a secure future depends largely on the practical conditions people face.

Survey respondents identified financial security, stable employment and emotional readiness as the most important preconditions for becoming parents, while economic and housing pressures were among the most commonly reported barriers to forming partnerships.

Many respondents also expressed concerns about inequality, conflict and uncertainty about the future.

These findings challenge the view that lower fertility simply reflects young people's decisions to delay or forgo family life. In reality, many are adapting their choices to their circumstances.

The policy implication is clear: Rather than prescribing a single path, societies need to create supportive conditions that enable young people to pursue their aspirations with confidence and hope for the future.

This calls for long-term, coordinated investment in young people's lives: quality education and skills; stable, meaningful employment; affordable housing; social protection; and accessible health services, including sexual and reproductive health information and care.

In addition, policy responses need to take into account the growing influence of technology and artificial intelligence on how young people learn, work and connect. Digital innovation should expand opportunity and strengthen — rather than serve as a substitute for — meaningful human relationships, trust and community.

The way work and care are organized is equally important. Communities and workplaces have an important role to play in helping young people balance work, care and family life.

Gender equality is central to this agenda. The survey found that respondents were more likely to disapprove of mothers with young children being employed than fathers with young children being employed. Such expectations can limit women's choices and place a disproportionate share of unpaid care work on them.

Policies that support shared caregiving — including paid parental leave for both parents, affordable childcare, flexible work arrangements, protection from workplace discrimination and support for maternal and reproductive health — strengthen families while also advancing gender equality, economic participation and social resilience.

These global insights are highly relevant for China, as it navigates its demographic shifts, including population aging, the changing patterns of family formation and the evolving expectations of younger generations. The 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30), with its people-centered focus on high-quality development and stronger public services, provides an important foundation for responding to these realities.

By strengthening employment security, skills development, education, health services, inclusive childcare, eldercare and family support systems, China can help reduce practical pressures facing young adults and enable them to plan their futures with greater confidence.

This approach places young people at the center of demographic policy — not merely as recipients of support, but as vital partners in development. Policies are more effective when guided by their voices, experiences and aspirations. Their creativity, ideas and energy can help drive innovation, strengthen communities and build resilience across generations.

World Population Day is a reminder that demographic progress should be measured not only by population figures, but also by whether people have the opportunity to build secure, fulfilling lives and contribute fully to society.

At the United Nations Population Fund, we are committed to working with China and partners to help create the conditions in which young people can realize their aspirations and contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable future for all.

The author is the representative of the United Nations Population Fund to China. The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.