Important Investment in Human Resources Essential for Kazakhstan's Demographic Outlook according to UNFPA High-Ranking Figurehead

Next Level: Unleashing Kazakhstan's Demographic Golden Age

Kazakhstan's demographic landscape is pulsating with energy, boasting a whopping third of its population below the age of 15. This vibrant youth kickstarts a turning point that Florence Bauer, UNFPA's Regional Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, considers both a boon and a burden. In an exclusive tete-a-tete with The Astana Times, Bauer delved into strategies for Kazakhstan and Central Asia to optimally leverage this demographic tsunami by investing strategically in the country's youth, women, and healthy aging.

Youthful Momentum

Bauer shed light on Kazakhstan's thrilling position, brimming with a large youth population. By 2030, this rapidly growing demographic is poised to flood the job market, injecting vigor into the nation's development. Bauer emphasized, "This sparkling influx of young people is our ticket to flourishing as a country."

On the flip side, Kazakhstan also witnesses a surging life expectancy—a positive shift, but one that demands prudent planning to strengthen healthcare provisions for the silver-haired population. Bauer underlined the importance of concentrating on human capital, positioning people at the epicenter of budgeting and policymaking.

Empowering the Engine of Prosperity

To capitalize on this demographic edge, Bauer underscored the significance of education—digging deep into skill development tailored for future economies. She underscored the importance of equipping young people with the tools to navigate the green and digital sectors and said, "It's all about providing the opportunities for them to develop new skills; to access the green economy, the digital economy, and to combat climate change."

Reproductive health rises to the forefront as another priority area. Bauer affirmed, "It's fundamentally vital that they have information regarding their reproductive health, empowering them to plan their future aspirations, be it family, career, or virtually anything they'd like to pursue."

Unleashing the Female Potential

Women, Bauer affirmed, remain a tantalizingly untapped resource in Kazakhstan's progress. Systemic and social barriersensure a lack of female representation in the labor force. Bauer declared firmly, "There's an immense opportunity in having policies destined to enable women to achieve a harmonious balance between family and career."

Maternal and child healthcare, affordable childcare, parental leave, and work arrangements offering flexibility are key to enabling women to prosper in the economy.

Conquering the Challenges of Aging and Vulnerability

One often unspoken concern is the feminization of aging and poverty, as women oftentimes lack financial stability in their golden years, largely due to extended breaks from the workforce on account of caregiving. Bauer highlighted the need for targeted policy responses, both immediate and long-term, focusing on support systems such as accessible childcare and lifelong healthcare.

Domestic violence, a touchy subject interwoven with generational trauma and child development, is another area of focus. Kazakhstan has made strides in enacting new legislation, but Bauer emphasized the need for ongoing efforts to reframe social attitudes. She urged, "Violence should never be tolerated, and we must continue to collaborate with partners to encourage the world to understand that violence has no place in our society."

Engaging men and boys in this process is crucial. UNFPA, Bauer shared, works tirelessly with partners to challenge traditional beliefs and promote healthier role models for masculinity.

Regional Visions for the Future

Looking beyond Kazakhstan, Bauer noticed similar demographic patterns across Central Asia, with the region's population slated to surge from 80 million to 114 million by 2050. Bauer championed regional cooperation and shared best practices as vital for maximizing the dividends of these demographic shifts. She concluded exuberantly, "Kazakhstan, with the right investments, boasts the potential to transfigure its demographic transformation into a lasting tapestry of social and economic growth."

[1] UNFPA, Kazakhstan - Demographic Data & Trends. [Online]. https://kz.unfpa.org/en/data-and-publications. Accessed on 23rd April 2023.

[2] statistical.kz, Population of Kazakhstan by age and sex in 2021. Statistical data. [Online]. https://stat.gov.kz/. Accessed on 23rd April 2023.

[3] World Bank, Demographic Data for Kazakhstan. [Online]. https://data.worldbank.org/country/kazakhstan. Accessed on 23rd April 2023.

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