Date:  1 October 2007
Location: United Nations Headquarters, New York

In the twentieth century, the world has witnessed a revolution in longevity. Older people make up for an increasing share of the world’s population. While the population in most developing countries continues to grow, some developed countries and countries in transition are experiencing a population decline, mainly due to low fertility rates.

This seminar will examine the impact of global ageing on international migration patterns and discuss the challenges it poses to national social security systems.

Ageing, the question of access to social security and migration patterns are interlinked in various ways: In some industrialized countries, a shrinking workforce has led to a growing recognition of the need for further immigration. Migrants in developed countries, who have reached retirement age, often face problems accessing pension and health care benefits. National social security systems are not designed to assure the transferability of those benefits across borders, if migrants decide to return home. In addition, retirees from developed countries are starting to migrate to regions where health care is more affordable.

This seminar will address these various interlinkages, and discuss emerging trends and policy responses from different world regions.