From ageing societies to youth potential: UNFPA-ASEAN Forum explores the future of Southeast Asia’s populations

KUALA LUMPUR, 11 November 2025 - Southeast Asia is undergoing a significant demographic transformation, characterised by rapid declines in fertility, increasing longevity, urbanisation, and rising mobility.

Across the region, population age structures are shifting at different speeds: while some ASEAN Member States are experiencing rapid population ageing, others continue to benefit from large youthful populations.These demographic changes present both challenges and opportunities for health and care systems, social protection frameworks, education, family-support policies, and labour markets.

Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, delivered opening remarks via a pre-recorded video message at the Inaugural ASEAN-UNFPA Forum on Population Dynamics and Development 2025, held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on 10-11 November 2025. Joining him at the opening session were The Honourable Dato' Shaharuddin bin Abu Sohot, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture of Malaysia and Chair of Senior Officials' Committee for ASEAN (SOCA), and The Honourable Dato' Dr. Ramli bin Dato' Mohd Nor, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Parliament of Malaysia.

Organised by the UNFPA Asia-Pacific Regional Office with support from the ASEAN Secretariat, the Forum served as a collaborative platform for ASEAN Member States to share experiences, anticipate policy needs and recommendations, and strengthen regional cooperation on population dynamics and their implications for sustainable development.

In his remarks, Dr. Kao highlighted the importance of coordinated and forward-looking demographic planning across all pillars of the ASEAN Community. He also emphasises the need for strategic shifts to better align national and regional policies with emerging demographic trends.

Delivering the opening keynote address, Deputy Regional Director for UNFPA Asia and the Pacific, Dr. Aleksandar Bodiroza, emphasised that the economic case for investing in rights and choices is undeniable. He noted that investments in rights and opportunity enable families to thrive, strengthen societies, and support more resilient and inclusive economies.

Over the two days, the Forum featured thematic discussions on ageing, youth, fertility, families, and migration. The programme was designed to support practical reflections on policy and programme innovations, national priorities, and opportunities for collaboration among ASEAN Member States. Participants included representatives of ASEAN Sectoral Bodies from Ministries of Social Welfare, Labour, Health, Education, Planning and Finance, as well as National Statistics Institutions, and Social Protection Agencies.

The Forum reflects ASEAN's commitment to forward-looking, rights-based, and inclusive approaches that enhance resilience and contribute to the the ASEAN Community Vision 2045. It also demonstrates UNFPA's commitment as a key partner to ASEAN in strengthening data, policy analysis, and technical expertise to enhance national and regional capacity in adapting to demographic change.

The press release was also published at UNFPA in Asia and the Pacific's website.

Photo credit: Source: UNFPA Malaysia