Demographic change in Asia and the Pacific is happening at a rate the world has never seen. An explosion in the working age population and a fall in birth rates that took a century in Europe are happening here in just 30 years.

This report links demography with human development. It explores how periods of demographic transition come with significant opportunities, but  also risks. If countries do not start planning for this demographic change, they will miss out on a unique opportunity to boost growth and investments for the future. They also risk a surge in youth frustration, exacerbating instability and conflict.

The report notes that Asia-Pacific countries now have more working-aged people and fewer dependents than at any point in history, providing a springboard for growth. Region-wide, 68 percent of people are of working age and only 32 percent are dependents. The report calls for immediate responses and outlines “9 Actions for Sustainable Development”. These are concrete policies tailored to the demographic profile of individual countries.