The demographic shock upsets the balance of the world

In a few years, demographics will redraw the global labour map. For every 100 people of working age (18-64) in the world today, there are 62 living in Asia, 15 in Europe or North America and 14 in Africa. According to United Nations projections, by the end of the century there will be 42 in Asia, 10 in Europe or North America, and 42 in Africa. This session will first focus on the demographic drivers of this projection, and the developments that could influence it, such as the revival of the birth rate in China or the increase in migratory flows from Africa. It will also discuss the economic consequences of such an upheaval, for companies and for populations.

Will Africa benefit from a “demographic dividend” and become a sustainable part of the economic concert of nations? Will Europe be able to adapt to the challenge of ageing?

Finally, will global economic governance take account of the demographic fact?