Gietel-Basten Stuart, Snow Rachel
Stud Fam Plann. 2025 Jun;56(2):177-197. doi: 10.1111/sifp.70004. Epub 2025 May 16.
The world is grappling with a huge array of demographic challenges-ranging from rapid population growth in sub-Saharan Africa to rapid aging and decline elsewhere-with profound implications for social systems, economic stability, and environmental sustainability. We examine the complex interplay of demographic diversity and other global megatrends, emphasizing the urgent need for policies that prioritize human rights and sustainable development. The legacy of the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) is re-evaluated, highlighting the principles that advocate for individual reproductive rights over numerical targets. Rather than solely focusing on population numbers, we underscore the necessity of addressing root causes of apparent demographic challenges and inequalities, especially relating to gender equality, access to quality health care (including sexual and reproductive health services), and education. By integrating insights on aging populations, migration, and climate change, we call for a shift toward inclusive, rights-based policies that harness the potential of all individuals, in which sexual and reproductive health and rights are central. Ultimately, we suggest that progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals and implementation of the ICPD Programme of Action can only be achieved through tailored demographic policies that reflect the unique contexts of each country, fostering resilience and well-being in a demographically diverse world.
世界正在应对一系列巨大的人口挑战——从撒哈拉以南非洲地区的人口快速增长到其他地区的人口迅速老龄化和减少——这些挑战对社会系统、经济稳定和环境可持续性具有深远影响。我们审视了人口多样性与其他全球大趋势之间的复杂相互作用，强调迫切需要制定将人权和可持续发展置于优先地位的政策。对1994年国际人口与发展会议（人发会议）的遗产进行了重新评估，突出了倡导个人生殖权利而非数量目标的原则。我们强调，不应只关注人口数量，而必须解决明显的人口挑战和不平等现象的根本原因，特别是与性别平等、获得优质医疗保健（包括性健康和生殖健康服务）及教育相关的问题。通过整合对老龄化人口、移民和气候变化的见解，我们呼吁转向包容性的、基于权利的政策，充分发挥所有人的潜力，其中性健康和生殖健康及权利是核心。最终，我们认为，只有通过反映各国独特情况的量身定制的人口政策，在人口多样化的世界中增强复原力和促进福祉，才能在实现可持续发展目标和执行人发会议行动纲领方面取得进展。
