The Shape of Things to Come: Why Age Structure Matters to a Safer, More Equitable World

1. The Shape of Things to Come:Why Age Structure Matters to a Safer, More Equitable World Association for International Agriculture and Rural Development Annual Meeting June 4, 2007 Elizabeth Leahy Population Action International -thank you, good morning Opportunity to link demography to other aspects of development Findings from SOTC Age structure matters to development Certain age structures present significant challenges to development Alleviating these challenges requires strong policies and programs � particularly family planning-thank you, good morning Opportunity to link demography to other aspects of development Findings from SOTC Age structure matters to development Certain age structures present significant challenges to development Alleviating these challenges requires strong policies and programs � particularly family planning

2. Demographics of Youth Largest generation of young people in history 3.5 billion people ages 0-29 worldwide 87% in less developed regions By 2025, all growth in world youth population will occur in less developed regions Pressures on natural resources, rural ? urban migration Young people are the future -- society�s greatest asset World is demographically more diverse than ever (45%/55%), population trends moving in many directions Future growth in youth population will all be in less developed regions � number in more developed regions will decline Underline importance of investing in youth � their health, education, economic opportunity. Integrated approaches: family planning, rural/ag developmentYoung people are the future -- society�s greatest asset World is demographically more diverse than ever (45%/55%), population trends moving in many directions Future growth in youth population will all be in less developed regions � number in more developed regions will decline Underline importance of investing in youth � their health, education, economic opportunity. Integrated approaches: family planning, rural/ag development

3. Age Structure Defined Importance of the demographic transition for development Share of people younger than 30 in a population compared to share of people age 60+ Each country is one of 4 major types of age structures: 1. Very Young (>67% under 30) 2. Youthful (60-67% under 30) 3. Transitional (45-60% under 30) 4. Mature (<45% under 30) New classification system with 4 major types determined by countries� progress along the demographic transition Share of young people under 30 compared to older adults 60+ Very young (2/3 under 30) Youthful (vast majority under 30) Transitional (half under 30) Mature (majority over 30)New classification system with 4 major types determined by countries� progress along the demographic transition Share of young people under 30 compared to older adults 60+ Very young (2/3 under 30) Youthful (vast majority under 30) Transitional (half under 30) Mature (majority over 30)

4. Key Findings