It is organized in Athens on 2-3 December by the national Economic and Social Committee in which ASPE (Supreme Confederation of Multi-Child/Large Families of Greece) is a member.
According to the program, the conference is organized in three main sessions :
Session 1: Labour market integration at global scale
While the free movement of workers is far from being a reality at the global scale (nor even at European scale) due to many reasons, it seems that digital transition, internal and external inequalities, and climate change impact trigger drastic changes in preferences of workers to move and choose the place to work considering specific dimensions of socioeconomic life (sectoral, institutional, social and geographical). The considerations above hold for many types of jobs and occupations (from high skilled works to less specialized jobs), resulting in widening the gap between the needs of local economies and the availability of human resources locally. Obviously, it leads to increasing productivity gaps impacting on the development in certain geographical areas, while providing others with welfare gains. This means that a new “architecture” for a “broad and inclusive growth” that takes into account labour markets’ realities is imperative in order to reduce imbalances, support less developed areas in a more sustainable manner and achieve social justice in a way that in the long-term no one is left behind
Session 2: Human flows
Following the severe migration crisis that succeeded the COVID-19 pandemic, international community seem to realize that coordination is a necessary condition and specific actions are required, especially across developed countries, to ensure a smooth integration of refugees and migrants in their societies. Additionally, it is generally admitted that a new institutional framework for administering migration is needed at the international level through dialogue and cooperation with all relevant parties and stakeholders. It is necessary to devise new tools to record and direct human flows and review integration policies in local labour markets. At the same time, efforts must be exerted to foster local development in the communities where migrants are from. The role of social dialogue in this process is crucial. This process of coordination surely entails a better cross-border management, a more simplified asylum policy and an inclusive development strategy. Resolution of conflicts, peace and stability are prerequisites for creating the conditions for a shared prosperity at the global level and human development.
Session 3: The demographic transition challenge
Demographic transition trends, nowadays, constitute one of the major challenges for the political economies. Demography affects economic and social policies at the national and international level; in the contemporary world as they have profound impact on labour markets and geopolitical relations. According to the most recent estimates, the population of Europe will shrink by almost 7% until 2100, while the population of the African continent will surpass the Asian population. The younger population on these latter continents is expected to be the majority, while in Europe the ratio of employees/ retire people will decrease. This means that it does not exist a linear association between the evolution of population flows across the world. In the case of Europe, this condition poses challenges for social security systems and health care provisions, making reforms a necessity. Moreover, in similar contexts, new formulas for the twin transition need to be enabled from education and training to working life planning until the retirement age in line with a sound family policy and an integrated birth strategy at the national level. Benchmarking and successful examples of public policies in line with national specificities may add value to the debate on the global demographic evolution.
Many Presidents and members of the Economic and Social Committees of various countries from all over the world participated to this interesting conference. During Session 3, the ESC Opinion of the demographic issue, in which ASPE actively participated, was presented.