Global fertility decline sparks alarm – experts

Anadolu, Philippine News Agency

Hungary’s Tunde Furesz described Europe as “the continent of empty cradles,” citing record-low fertility and a worsening trend since the Covid-19 pandemic. (Pexels photo)

ISTANBUL – Experts at the International Family Forum in Istanbul warned Friday of a growing demographic crisis as global fertility rates continue to fall, threatening economic stability and social systems worldwide.

Held under the theme “Safeguarding and Strengthening Family in the Face of Global Challenges,” the panel “The Myth of Overpopulation: How a Global Agenda Contributed to Decline of Populations?” was hosted by Türkiye’s Family and Social Services Ministry, with Anadolu as global communications partner.

Deputy Labor and Social Security Minister Lutfihak Alpkan, who moderated the panel, said Türkiye’s fertility rate has dropped from 7 in the 1970s to below 1.5 today.

“International organizations have long supported efforts to reduce population growth,” he said. “But when a country’s population begins to shrink… those same organizations are far less supportive.”

Serdar Furtuna of Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University traced population control efforts to US foundations in the 1940s.

He noted a 1963 survey in Türkiye showed a large gap between actual and desired births.

“Modern methods were barely adopted, yet population still declined – not due to external pressure but changing individual priorities and needs.”

Malaysian Women and Family Minister Dato’ Sri Hajah Nancy Shukri said her country’s population will peak by 2071 before declining.

“This isn’t just about numbers – it means a shrinking workforce, aging population, and mounting pressure on social systems.”

In the Gulf region, the drop is also dramatic.

Sharifa Noaman Al-Emadi of the Doha International Family Institute said, “In countries like Qatar, where citizens make up less than 20 percent of the population, this decline is especially critical.”

Hungary’s Tunde Furesz described Europe as “the continent of empty cradles,” citing record-low fertility and a worsening trend since the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Our constitution states: ‘The mother is a woman, the father is a man.’ This reflects our determination to protect our family structure,” she added.

Leow Siu Lin, director of International Relations at Singapore’s Ministry of Social and Family Development, emphasized that boosting birth rates alone is not sufficient for ensuring population sustainability.

She highlighted the need for a multidimensional approach focused on strengthening families.

Leow noted that the issue is not only economic but also deeply rooted in social and cultural factors.

“In Singapore, families are the cornerstone of society. That’s why we have reshaped our policies and programs with a family-centered perspective,” she said. (Anadolu)