The world population is growing: By 2050, it is estimated to reach 9.7 billion people. At present, more than 40% of them are under the age of 25, but by 2050 the number of people aged over 60 will have more than doubled and reached 2 billion.

Also, the world population is on the move: More than 250 million people currently live outside their country of birth and ever more individuals and families move from rural to urban settings. By 2050, 70% of the world population will live in cities and towns. 

These population dynamics, i.e. the changes in the size, structure and geographic distribution of populations, impact upon, and need to be addressed, by countries’ health, education and social protection systems. This is why German Development Cooperation supports partner countries in seizing the opportunities and addressing the challenges these changes pose. Key areas of support include: 

• Agenda setting: supporting the consideration of population dynamics as well as sexual and reproductive health and rights in international and national policy dialogues in line with the Programme of Action of the 1994 Cairo Conference on Population and Development 

• Data-driven development: supporting cross-sectoral analyses, strengthening data systems (e.g. civil registries) and advising on evidence-based planning for improved service delivery 

• Investments in a demographic dividend: unleashing the potential of young people in society, particularly through promoting health, education and employment.