Skopje, 7 May 2026 (MIA) - Demographic changes are a reality that requires responsibility, vision and systemic policies, said Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski in his remarks at regional ministerial conference "Leading Change: People-Centred 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).

"This is not just another conference, it is a discussion on the future of our nations, the states we want to leave behind. Whether we create societies in which young people want to stay, where families want to create a future, and where seniors want to live a decent life," said PM Mickoski.

He noted that the demographic crisis produces visible consequences and should not be treated exclusively as an issue of statistics, adding that the numbers-based approach used until now has produced policies lacking a long-term vision and real effect.

"For a while now, many countries, including in our region, have seen these changes exclusively through the prism of numbers - how much we shrink in numbers, ageing of the population, how many people leave. This so-called demographic anxiety often produced belated policies, fragmented and lacking a long-term vision. The essence is in the quality of life not the numbers, the trust that citizens have in their own country, the feeling they can have a home, family, career and future here," said Mickoski.

According to him, the key problem lies in the demographic resilience gap, i.e. the inability to timely recognize and manage changes.

"Our approach is clear - instead of policy of fear, we are building a policy of resilience, instead of short-term measures we are drafting a long-term strategy, instead of declarative pledges we are setting up systemic solutions. That is why we have drafted the new Strategy on Demographic Resilience 2026-2046, not as a formal document that remains on paper but as a national framework for the country's future," said Mickoski.

The PM added that the strategy's objective is investment in people, sending a message of personal and collective responsibility.

"We all have to ask the question what can we do for our country, not what can the country do for us. We cannot continually exhaust and abuse the system while asking it to produce the best policies in return. We have to be aware that we are the system, and the system we build is the system we'll have," said Mickoski.

He told the youth that the common future should be built at home, urging them to contribute to the economy of their homeland, not those of other countries.

Minister of Social Policy, Demography and Youth Fatmir Limani said the region and Europe are facing deep and long-term demographic challenges.

"Countries are facing low fertility rates, migration and aging of the population. In some countries, the population size has dropped by a third compared to the 1990s, which directly affects the labor market, health and retirement systems, and economic competitiveness," said Minister Limani.

This calls, he added, for bold and long-term evidence-based policies that focus on people, human rights and regional cooperation.

"With UNFPA's support, we are finalizing the National Strategy for Demographic Development and Resilience, aligned with the National Development Strategy 2022-2042 and the United Nations Cooperation Framework 2026-2030. Public consultation is ongoing with all relevant stakeholders, followed by the strategy's adoption by the Government and Parliament," said Limani.

He said the document ensures a multisectoral approach that highlights human capital, families, young people, social inclusion and role of the diaspora, accompanied by a new law on migration management and reintegration of returnees.

"This is a global challenge that knows no boundaries and cannot be solved in isolation. We need joint action, knowledge sharing and coordinated solutions that link up regions and create sustainable opportunities for all generations," concluded Limani.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Timcho Mucunski said demographic challenges have a direct impact on foreign policy, economic competitiveness and long-term stability of the country.

"Demographic challenges are not only statistics but relate to economic competitiveness, national resilience and long-term stability. As a country that has been a crossroad of civilizations, cultures and ideas, we cannot be passive observers but actively shape these processes," said FM Mucunski.

He added that human capital and the diaspora are a key strategic resource for the country's development and international position.

"Our diaspora represents an enormous potential and serves as a bridge between states. This is why the new Diaspora Cooperation Strategy 2025-2030 aims at building stronger and more dynamic ties, leading to long-term investments and development partnerships," said Mucunski.

The FM noted that keeping young people in the country requires specific policies and economic transformation.

"This is not achieved only through messages but real opportunities, quality jobs and a competitive economy. Through integration in the European Economic Area and the implementation of the European Union's Growth Plan, we are creating mobility that is a choice, not a necessity, as well as conditions for people to build their future at home," said Mucunski.

The conference brings together ministers, other high-ranking government officials and international experts from over 30 countries to discuss strategies for addressing the profound demographic transformations reshaping the wider Eastern Europe and Central Asia region.

Фото:МИА