The population and development has been a subject of ongoing discourses and debates in the 21st century. The issue of population growth has been both positively as well negatively seen with the economic and social development of countries. The relationship between population and development has been one of the major concerns of development of countries particularly in global south. For some scholars, youthful population is a demographic dividend for countries if effectively harnessed, while others express concerns about the challenges of providing education, employment, and healthcare for rapidly growing populations.
Many countries have undergone or are undergoing demographic transitions, moving from high birth and death rates to lower ones. Japan, Germany, Italy, Spain, South Korea, and Singapore have recorded low birth rates and low death rates typically experience slower population growth. Few countries in Global South such as China and India have also experienced low fertility rate and bulge in youth population due to advanced industrialization, high standards of living, and well-established healthcare systems. China, for example, implemented a one-child policy (now relaxed) that significantly influenced its birth rate. This demographic transition influences social and economic development of countries. The discussion of pace and nature of demographic shifts in the last couple of decades often revolves around the implications of an aging population and declining birth rates in developed countries, contrasting with youthful populations in some developing nations.
Social demographers, development economists and sociologists have debated the recent changes in demographic structures in developed and developing countries and highlighted a combination of factors for population dynamics and development such as rapid urbanization and sustainable development, women’s economic empowerment, increased health care facilities and raising concerns of social and gender inequalities. The impact of population dynamics on climate change and vice versa has been a growing concern for sociologists and economists. Some scholars argue that population growth exacerbates environmental issues, while others emphasize the importance of sustainable consumption patterns and technological innovation in mitigating environmental challenges.
The migration and population dynamics was another subject for the debate of longstanding. There is a great deal of attention has been given to the issue of migration from developing to developed countries. It is argued that migration can contribute to economic development through remittances and skills transfer. Another focus on issue of migration and development is on brain drain and the potential negative impact on sending countries.
In the 21st century, these discourses and debates reflect recognition of the interconnected and multidimensional nature of population and development issues. They also underscore the need for comprehensive, context-specific approaches that consider the diverse challenges and opportunities faced by different regions and communities. The proposed conference is aiming a scientific discussion and debate on population dynamics and issue of development from perspective of Global North to Global South. Following are the sub themes of the Conference:
