Sustainable demographic development is the main driving force of social, economic and political progress. Implementing effective and sustainable policies in this direction and surmounting current demographic challenges require a strong national commitment and shared responsibility of the global community, President Rumen Radev said at the opening in Sofia of an international conference on demographic sustainability, "Shaping Europe's Demographic Future: Pathways for Societies to Thrive in a World of Rapid Demographic Change". The forum brings together government representatives from countries in Europe and Central Asia under the auspices of the United Nations. Bulgarian Head of State Rumen Radev is the patron of the conference. 

Inaugurating the forum, the President noted the unprecedented global demographic dynamics and stressed that many countries in Europe and Central Asia, including Bulgaria, are facing the challenge of an ageing society. "This fact impacts strongly on the basic social systems: economy, education, healthcare and social protection," Rumen Radev stressed. The President pointed to the need for a clear, comprehensive and long-term vision to ensure equitable and sustainable solutions. "The core of this vision includes a strong and functioning economy, employment, quality education, quality and accessible healthcare with a special focus on children, the elderly and the people with disabilities," Rumen Radev added.

The President referred to the additional negative impact of the coronavirus pandemic on healthcare and social security, and on our economic and social sustainability. "Surmounting this crisis will be essential for the successful recovery and revitalisation of our daily lives, social contacts, economies, as well as for building a fairer society," the President said.

The Head of State called for putting people at the centre of all policies. He expressed hope that the ministerial conference in Sofia would mobilise support for finding political answers and exchanging good practices to mitigate the negative aftereffects of demographic change.

The conference in Sofia marks the beginning of the Decade of Demographic Sustainability (2022-2032) and of the Sofia Alliance. The Head of State pointed out that this Alliance would be a community of action led by member states and it would facilitate the exchange of experiences and technical assistance aimed at strengthening demographic resilience.

Dr. Natalia Kanem, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund, who is visiting this country, attended the opening of the forum, which will take place today and tomorrow in Sofia in a hybrid format.