European Population Conference 2005 - Demographic challenges for social cohesion
Strasbourg (France), 7-8 April 2005

Terry Davis: “Our societies and economies should become more child- and family-friendly”

07.04.2005 - European States should “redouble their efforts” to cope with the “unprecedented demographic challenges” of lower fertility rates and an ageing population in the 21st century, according to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, addressing 300 participants as he opened the Strasbourg conference on ''Demographic challenges for social cohesion''.

He called for “more child-friendly and more family-friendly” societies and economies, without the obstacles which discourage people from having children they want.

This has “implications for gender equality, work-life balance, social services and housing policies,” he explained. Local and regional authorities in an increasingly multi-ethnic Europe could play an important role in the “creation of a favourable local environment”, with employment and decent living conditions for migrants.

Speech