Busan to Host 2025 Global Demographic Forum on Population Decline

Busan, South Korea — In the coming decades, Busan faces a pivotal moment. With South Korea’s birthrate reaching record lows and an aging population, the city is at a turning point. Young people are leaving in search of better opportunities, and as the birthrate continues to decline, once-bustling neighborhoods are growing quieter, markets are struggling, and the future seems uncertain.

In response to these growing concerns, the 2025 Global Demographic Strategy Forum will take place in Busan on June 20, 2025, under the theme Urban Population Challenges and Global Solutions. Organized by the Busan Metropolitan City Council and the Global Urban Population Strategy Forum Secretariat, this forum will bring together experts from across the world to examine the impact of demographic shifts on cities and explore strategies for addressing population decline. This event offers a vital opportunity for understanding how cities like Busan can adapt to and navigate the challenges posed by shrinking populations.

The forum will feature a keynote address by Dr. Jennifer D. Sciubba, CEO of the Population Reference Bureau (PRB) and author of 8 Billion and Counting. Dr. Sciubba's speech, titled "How Local Communities Can Thrive Amid Population Decline," will provide invaluable insights into how communities can build resilience in the face of such demographic challenges. Drawing from her extensive research on global population trends, Dr. Sciubba will explore how cities like Busan can retain vitality despite a decreasing population, offering a roadmap for sustaining communities amidst shifting demographics.

Following the keynote, the forum will host two sessions addressing the effects of demographic changes and the global strategies to tackle them. The first session will focus on the impact of rapid population decline on local communities. Dr. Sanglim Lee from Seoul National University will discuss the causes and consequences of population decline in South Korea. Dr. Asa Torkelsson, Chief of the UNFPA Seoul Office, will highlight rights-based policies and programs aimed at strengthening demographic resilience. Daniel Tudor, former Economist Korea correspondent and author, will provide an international perspective, comparing South Korea’s demographic challenges with those faced by other nations experiencing similar trends.

The second session will look at global strategic responses to these challenges, examining how other cities and nations have adapted to population decline. Peter Dustan, a researcher at the Mori Memorial Foundation in Japan, will share valuable lessons from Tokyo’s efforts to manage its aging population. Dr. Junyoung Heo from the Korea Institute of Public Administration will focus on migration governance as a strategy for attracting global talent, an essential solution for cities facing demographic decline. Dr. Zeljana Zmire from Pusan National University will discuss how demographic crises can be transformed into opportunities for urban regeneration, offering strategies that could revitalize Busan’s economy and infrastructure.

The forum will conclude with a panel discussion and Q&A session, providing an opportunity for participants to engage directly with experts and discuss how the strategies presented could be applied to Busan's specific demographic challenges. This interactive session will focus on the practical implications of these solutions and how local governments, businesses, and citizens can work together to address ongoing demographic transformations.

The forum offers Busan a chance to take proactive steps in responding to the demographic shifts already in motion. With an aging population and a shrinking workforce, the city faces significant challenges that threaten its economic stability and growth. However, with the right investments in technology, urban renewal, and strategic migration, Busan has the opportunity to turn these challenges into a driving force for innovation and revitalization. The insights shared at this forum will help guide the city in shaping a sustainable future, one that adapts to the ongoing demographic changes.

While the 2025 Global Demographic Strategy Forum might not provide all the solutions to the complex issue of population decline, it will certainly open up an important space for reflection and discussion. As cities around the world grapple with similar challenges, the forum will offer a platform to explore potential solutions, spark fresh ideas, and engage in meaningful conversations.

The road ahead may be uncertain, but the 2025 Global Demographic Strategy Forum will provide a crucial platform for cities like Busan to better understand and address the challenges posed by a rapidly changing demographic landscape. For those interested in contributing to this vital conversation, registration for the forum is now open. Secure your spot by registering through the link here.