Skopje, 18 October 2023 (MIA) — Minister of Labor and Social Policy Jovanka Trenchevska is leading a government delegation to Geneva for the "Population and Development: Ensuring Rights and Choices" regional conference organized by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe and the United Nations Population Fund.

According to an official press release, the UNECE/UNFPA conference is to evaluate progress in the regional implementation of the Programme of Action adopted by the International Conference on Population and Development held in Cairo in 1994 as well as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

"The European region remains at the forefront of the global demographic transition towards lower fertility and ageing populations, which require comprehensive policy responses aimed at strengthening countries’ demographic resilience. The lasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and new, emerging challenges across the region underline the need for a holistic, rights-based approach to population dynamics and sustainable development," conference organizers said.

The conference will focus on key implementation activities and broader policy issues related to three main themes: population dynamics and sustainable development; families and sexual and reproductive health over the life course; and inequalities, social inclusion and rights.

Trenchevska will address the conference's plenary session.

The labor minister is also scheduled to meet with Deputy Executive Director for Programmes in UNFPA Diene Keita and Moldova's Minister of Labor and Social Protection Alexei Buzu. mr/