Sub-Theme 1   Demographic Transitions, Social Equity, and Population Diversity

The Plenary Session for Sub-theme 1 addresses global demographic transitions and equity-centered approaches to simultaneous increases in youth and older populations, evolving care systems, and spatial population shifts occurring at varying intensities worldwide. These transitions pressure health and social protection systems, requiring integrated, forward-looking policy responses that address differentiated impacts on vulnerable groups including people with disabilities, migrants, indigenous populations, gender minorities, and informal workers. This session frames subsequent discussions on social welfare systems, demographic dividends, family and community roles, intergenerational equity, and inclusive policies for at-risk groups, while highlighting cross-cutting priorities that demand evidence-based approaches addressing gaps in coverage, affordability, and accessibility.

Objectives

ST1 seeks to establish a high-level framework for five key discussions: (1) Social welfare systems, protection, and fiscal sustainability; (2) Harnessing demographic dividends and silver economy; (3) Role of family, community, and supportive environments; (4) Advancing intergenerational solidarity in an aging world; and (5) Inclusive policies for vulnerable groups. The session emphasizes cross-cutting themes while exploring the essential roles of diverse stakeholders—governments, civil society, communities, private sector, and development partners—in developing and implementing effective solutions to demographic challenges across different populations and contexts.

ST1 Sessions include:

Sub-Theme 2   Demographic Shifts and Health System Transformation

Global demographic transitions—including aging populations and declining fertility rates, youth bulges, and complex migration patterns—pose significant challenges to health systems worldwide, These will result in structural changes with around 55 per cent of the world’s population living in towns and cities, projected to be 70 per cent by 2050. However, changing demographics will impact health systems if we do not prepare; for example, countries with the most increase in non-communicable diseases, are least prepared to address in terms of their health systems. Investing in health systems will be critical to tackle these challenges. Key issues on demographic transitions relate to changing disease burden, healthcare infrastructure and access, aging population and long-term care, workforce and economic impact, maternal and child health, health policy and financing and technological advancements. In addition, there is a need to think of a life course approach to health and well-being and how health systems can be designed for this purpose. Overall, there is therefore a need for a holistic approach to adapt health systems to respond to the shifts in demographics.

Objectives

The objective of ST2 is to highlight the imperative for inclusive and sustainable health systems that are resilient to shifting demographics, recognizing the need for multi-sectoral, life-course approaches in the context of current global developments, to improve population health and well-being.

This sub-theme, through its plenary and parallel sessions, will examine issues related to how health systems can respond to shifting demographics and focus on topics related to migration of human resources for health, sustainable domestic financing, health service delivery systems that better respond to changing health needs driven by demographic shifts, multisectoral and community based approaches for long-term care and how values shape population policies across different contexts.

ST2 Sessions include:

Sub-Theme 3   Governing Health for People and Planet: Geopolitics in Flux

The world faces unprecedented convergence of demographic transitions and global polycrises. Aging populations, youth bulges, migration patterns, and urbanization are reshaping socioeconomic landscapes while intersecting with climate change, geopolitical tensions, economic instability, and technological disruptions. This convergence amplifies systemic risks and widens inequalities across regions and populations. The 2025 Global Risks Report identifies armed conflict as the primary immediate concern, followed closely by climate-driven extreme weather events, illustrating the interconnected nature of today's threats. Recent geopolitical shifts, particularly tensions between major powers, directly impact global health and environmental stability, while technological advancements like AI and digital health systems simultaneously offer solutions and create new divides that governments must navigate with limited resources.

Objectives

ST3 examines the complex interrelationships between geopolitical dynamics, demographic shifts, and planetary health to identify inclusive governance mechanisms promoting equity and sustainability. Specifically, it aims to: (1) Analyze how demographic transitions interact with climate change to reshape global power structures and governance frameworks; (2) Assess planetary health threats as conflict multipliers driving migration and health inequities; (3) Evaluate technology's dual role in demographic governance and health protection; and (4) Develop gender-responsive and youth-inclusive governance strategies that strengthen planetary resilience while addressing intergenerational justice. Particular attention is given to empowering youth—not merely as victims of planetary crises but as essential solution architects—through education, leadership opportunities, and participatory mechanisms that bridge generational divides and accelerate transitions toward climate-resilient societies.

ST3 Sessions include: