OSCE Trieste seminar spotlights effects of demographic imbalance on security

TRIESTE, 9 November 2004 - The impact of unbalanced population growth on economic development and security was the focus of a two-day international seminar ending today in the Italian city of Trieste.

Issues such as ageing, health hazards, family dynamics, population movement, the link between demographics, the economy and the environment were addressed at the seminar, as well as possible policy responses. More than 120 participants from governments, state institutions, international organizations, academia and NGOs took part.

"Our ambition is to place demographic issues on both the regional and global agenda and find sustainable solutions," said Andrej Logar, Deputy Foreign Minister of Slovenia, on behalf of the incoming OSCE Chairmanship.

"This can best be done by promoting a comprehensive debate among OSCE participating States, international organizations, academia and civil society."

"Unbalanced growth of the population with respect to economic capacities remains one of the biggest global challenges and an inadequate response can prove costly," he added.

Marcin Swiecicki, Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities emphasized that the dramatic turn in demographic trends in the majority of the OSCE countries in the 21st century will affect investment, economic growth and fiscal balances, and will increase migratory pressures.

"Therefore, the OSCE should be prepared for new challenges," he said.

The Trieste meeting is the first in a series of three preparatory seminars leading up to the annual Economic Forum, that will take place in Prague between 23 and 27 May 2005. This year's theme is "Demographic Trends, Migration and Integration of Persons Belonging to National Minorities: Ensuring Sustainable Development in the OSCE area".

For results of the Trieste seminar and the preparations for the 2005 Economic Forum, please visit the OSCE website www.osce.org/eea.