Europe & CIS

Demography and development in Russia

Russia, 28 April 2008 – The demographic problem remains one of the most severe challenges in modern Russia: the ongoing population decline and shrinking workforce caused by low fertility, high mortality, ageing, a reduction in the working share of the population, and so far indistinct migration policy pose risks for the future of the country. The United Nations in the Russian Federation and the Center of Strategic Research present the UN in Russia joint publication Demographic Policy in Russia: from Reflection to Action, prepared by a group of independent national experts.

The problems affecting Russia, particularly the low level of fertility, are pronounced in many countries of Europe and the CIS. The demographic situation directly affects economic development, competitiveness, stability and planning, and in the end, the well-being and prosperity of the population. That is why the UN agencies in the Russian Federation have brought the strategic support to national efforts in overcoming the demographic crisis to the forefront of its joint activities.

The Report is based on a wide range of statistical and empirical data, describing - in a concise and clear form - general trends of demographic situation development in Russia as well as basic properties and causes of the demographic crisis and its negative consequences for the country. Importantly, it shows how demographic policy is linked to broader social policy and demonstrates the deleterious consequences of leaving demographics unaddressed in social policy as well as identifies some concrete tasks for different levels of implementation of demographic policy (federal, regional, and local).

The UN country team in Russia has a theme group on demography, of which UNDP is a part. The next National Human Development Report will be dedicated to demographic issues.

The Report, initiated by the UN resident coordinator and supported by the theme group, was presented by Valeri Elizarov, Chief Author, Head of the Center for Population Studies, Moscow State University Economics Department and other authors. Participants of the discussion will include Mikhail Dmitriev, President of the Centre of Strategic Research, Marco Borsotti, UN Resident Coordinator in the RF representatives of the ministries of foreign affairs, health and social development,  parliament, Public C under the President of the RF, heads of UN agencies, representatives of academia and civil society.

UNDP Russia | UN Theme Group on Demography

Report (Eng|Rus)

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