Georgia’s population is rapidly aging because of low fertility, improvements in the healthcare system, and labor migration. The challenges of living in an older society were discussed in a working group format as part of the “National Dialogue on Georgian Demographic Security Priorities”, April 18-19, which was attended by ISET-PI’s Maka Chitanava and Lasha Labadze. This UNFPA-supported dialog was initiated by the Georgian Parliament’s Healthcare and Social Policy Committee. The main objective was to review the latest data and consider strategies to address pressing demographic challenges.

The working group meeting was attended by Georgian parliamentarians, representatives of key government agencies, international organizations, and NGOs. The main topics considered included ageing and age structure; fertility, including sexual and reproductive health; morbidity and mortality; and, finally, migration (both internal and external).

This two-day event created a common understanding of the factors affecting national population dynamics, helping shape Georgia’s demographic security policy, its main principles, strategic goals, and priority directions.