COMMISSION ON POPULATION & DEVELOPMENT

As the world entered the twenty-first century, global fertility rates have been rapidly declining. Many people are now forgoing marriage and having children, which raises concern about demographic stability for the future. The Commission on Population and Development (CPD) aims to address the social and economic factors that contribute to the global decline in fertility and mental health, as they have the potential to become existential threats.

Topic 1 will discuss the global implications of population decline, which includes the ineffectiveness of pro-natalist policies due to rising inflation and disruptions to global labour markets. Moreover, public policies relating to immigration, elder care, and education will be addressed, as they all relate to sustainable development without growing populations. Topic 2 will explore resolutions to the global mental health crisis, because unequal access to mental healthcare and the rise of digital environments are major reasons for why less people are marrying and having children. Furthermore, delegates will be exploring how to change the cultural stigma of mental health in education and employment systems, which have already been changing since the end of the COVID-19 Pandemic.