Vladimir Nikitović, president of the Association of Demographers of Serbia, was an invited speaker at the 9th Global Symposium on Low Fertility and Ageing 2025, held in Seoul from 2–3 December 2025. This flagship event was jointly organised by the Ministry of Data and Statistics (MODS) of the Republic of Korea and UNFPA.
The symposium, themed Rethinking Old-Age Dependency and the Engagement of Older Persons, addressed the challenges faced by countries experiencing advanced demographic transitions. Key objectives included a critical review of alternative definitions of ‘old age’ and dependency, analyses from National Transfer Accounts, assessment of technology’s role in empowering older adults to lead active and dignified lives, innovative strategies for integrating older individuals into the labour market, the establishment of healthy ageing centres, and the development of dedicated policy repositories focusing on population ageing.
In the second session, which centred on National Transfer Account (NTA) methodologies and their relevance to policy development regarding population ageing, Dr. Nikitović delivered a presentation titled National Transfer Accounts in Serbia. He provided an overview of NTA analyses conducted in Serbia, highlighting significant findings and summarising key insights from related policy recommendation briefs. He also examined the sustainability and future development of NTAs in Serbia, addressing potential challenges.
Following his presentation, Dr. Nikitović participated in a moderated panel discussion on best practices, challenges, and lessons learned—emphasising evidence-based and rights-based recommendations—which concluded with an open forum engaging all attending experts. Selected highlights from these discussions are available below in the short video clips.
All discussions during the symposium were anchored in the UNFPA’s framework of ‘demographic resilience,’ which emphasises supporting countries in understanding, leveraging, and adapting to demographic shifts with the primary aim of fostering sustainable development, while adhering to the principles of the ICPD Programme of Action and safeguarding individual rights and choices. Accordingly, it was highlighted that countries should transition from predominantly negative, reactive, and fragmented approaches to population ageing towards positive, proactive, and integrated strategies addressing demographic changes, including low fertility.
Throughout the two-day event, the president of the Association of Demographers of Serbia contributed actively to vibrant discussions on innovative and inclusive approaches to ageing and demographic resilience, both within formal sessions and informally during breaks at the Plaza Hotel in Seoul.
Source of photos and videos: Lim Hyeon Su / Jangbongki Studio
Published on December 20, 2025
