UN's European population forum to examine region's low fertility

The causes and effects of Europe's low fertility rates and the continent's support for health services in the developing world featured high on the agenda at a three-day United Nations meeting which opened today in Geneva.

Some 350 experts began discussing Europe's help for poorer countries working to implement greater access to reproductive care, such as family planning and HIV/AIDS prevention.

Addressing the opening session, the head of the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), which jointly organized the event, drew a link between her agency's work and global anti-poverty targets known as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

"Enabling people to choose their family size will slow the rapid population growth that undermines poverty reduction efforts in the world's poorest countries," Thoraya Ahmed Obaid said. "Better reproductive health information and services are critical to reducing maternal and child mortality and halting HIV/AIDS."

She also pointed out that awareness and family planning can raise education standards and spur development. "Preventing unwanted pregnancies helps keep girls in school, advancing women's empowerment," she said.

Low fertility rates especially in Southern, Central and Eastern Europe were also examined, along with policies that allow people to better address work and family concerns.

Brigita Schmögnerová, Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) - also a sponsor of the gathering - called attention to demographic changes affecting the continent, including a drop in working-age populations and greater proportions of elderly people due to low fertility and declining mortality. "Europe is currently in a unique epoch in its population history," she observed.

Professionals from across the population field, including specialists in health, economics and social demography, are taking part in the three-day event.