Demographic changes are a reality that requires responsibility, vision and systemic policies, Macedonian Prime Minister HristijanMickoski said in his remarks at regional ministerial conference “Leading Change: People-Centered Paths to Demographic Resilience”, held in Skopje on May 7-8, organized by the Ministry of Social Policy, Demography and Youth, in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
“Therefore, today we must honestly admit that the biggest challenge is not only demographic change, but the gap in demographic resilience. It is the inability of systems to recognize changes in time and adapt with wise, inclusive and long-term policies.This gap is felt throughout the entire region of Eastern Europe, Europe in general, I would say, and Central Asia. Some countries are facing a huge growth in the young population and a need for new opportunities. Others, on the other hand, are facing an aging population, a decrease in the working-age population and a serious outflow of human capital,” said Mickoski.
“We are aware that the low birth rate, emigration and the outflow of young and educated people are issues that cannot be resolved overnight. But we are also aware that the state must not stand aside and passively observe the processes. Our determination is clear — instead of a policy of fear, we are building a policy of resilience. Instead of short-term measures, we are creating a long-term strategy. Instead of declarative commitments, we are setting systemic solutions. That is why we have prepared the new Strategy for Demographic Resilience 2026–2046. Not as a formal document that will remain on paper, but as a national framework for the future of the state,” said Mickoski.
The Pm stresses that such a strategy is built on a simple but essential idea — that the greatest strength of a state is not resources, not numbers, but people. He added that it is not based on isolated measures and ad hoc policies.
“It represents a comprehensive approach that connects the economy, education, health, labor, social policy, housing, digital transformation and regional development. Our vision is to build a country in which a young person will have a reason to stay. In which families will have security. In which women will have equal opportunities. In which aging will not mean isolation, but a dignified and active life,” Mickoski pointed out.
