These trends include the youthful population, ageing population, urbanization, migration, and climate resilience, each of which presents unique challenges and opportunities for the nation.
According to UNFPA India chief Andrea Wojnar, India’s elderly population is predicted to treble by 2050, highlighting the need for more investment in healthcare, housing, and pensions, particularly for older women who are “more likely to live alone and face poverty”.
In an interview with PTI days after World Population Day on July 11, Wojnar, Resident Representative for UNFPA India, detailed major population trends that India is prioritizing to promote sustainable development.
These trends include the youthful population, ageing population, urbanisation, migration, and climate resilience, each presenting unique challenges and opportunities for the nation.She said as the number of individuals, aged 60 and above, is projected to double to 346 million by 2050, there is a pressing need for increased investment in healthcare, housing and pension schemes.
“Poverty,” she explained.
India has a sizable youth population, with 252 million people aged 10 to 19, according to the UNFPA India director.
She emphasized that investing in health, education, job training, and job development, as well as supporting gender equality, may unlock this demographic’s potential and propel the country toward long-term progress.
“With India expected to be 50% urban by 2050, building smart cities, strong infrastructure, and affordable housing is critical to managing slum growth, air pollution, and environmental issues,” Wojnar stated.
“…especially for older women who are more likely to live alone and face poverty,” she said.
To promote gender equality and improve overall quality of life, urban designs should take into account women’s requirements for safety and security, as well as access to health care, education, and employment,” she said.
She also stated that handling internal and external migration required careful planning, skill development, and economic opportunity distribution.
Addressing the unique issues that women experience as migrants or spouses left behind is critical for sustainable prosperity. She emphasized the importance of incorporating climate resilience into development plans as well as investing in renewable energy.
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Source: BS
