Kazakhstan: PonteSud – News Desk
Kazakhstan’s population is steadily increasing, with almost one-third under the age of 15, placing the country at a pivotal demographic turning point.
According to Florence Bauer, Regional Director of UNFPA for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, this youth represents both a tremendous opportunity and a critical responsibility.
In an exclusive interview with The Astana Times, Bauer outlined how Kazakhstan and Central Asia can harness this demographic trend through targeted investment in young people, women, and healthy aging.
Bauer highlighted that Kazakhstan is in a unique demographic position, with a high proportion of children and adolescents. She noted that nearly a third of the population is under 15, which presents significant opportunities for future growth and innovation.
“We foresee an increasing number of young people entering into the labor market in the coming years – and that can really contribute to the development of the country,” she said.
At the same time, Kazakhstan is also witnessing an increase in life expectancy. According to Bauer, this is a positive development, although it requires thoughtful planning to support a healthy aging population.
“People live longer lives that also provides a potential. What is important is for the country to invest in human capital and put people at the center of budget and policy decisions,” she noted.
One of the less visible, but growing concerns is the feminization of aging and poverty. Women tend to live longer than men, but often lack financial security in older age due to time spent outside the workforce caring for families. Bauer said this imbalance must be addressed through both immediate and long-term policy responses.
She stressed the need for Kazakhstan to build systems that support both working women and the aging population, including accessible childcare and lifelong healthcare.
On domestic violence, a problem that intersects with generational trauma and child development, Bauer commended Kazakhstan for passing new legislation but urged continued efforts to change social norms.
“Violence is never acceptable. This is what we have to continue to work together with partners to ensure that it is understood by the whole society that violence should never be used,” she noted.
She underscored the importance of engaging men and boys in this process. UNFPA, she said, works with a range of partners to challenge harmful norms and promote healthier models of masculinity.
Domestic violence is associated with broader social problems, including bullying in childhood and the perpetuation of intergenerational violence.
Looking beyond Kazakhstan, Bauer noted similar demographic patterns across Central Asia. With the regional population expected to rise from 80 million to 114 million by 2050, she underscored the urgency of preparing for a wave of young people entering the labor market. She aid it’s a tremendous opportunity, but only if countries invest wisely in skills, in women, in healthy aging.
According to her, with the right investments, Kazakhstan is well-positioned to transform its demographic changes into lasting social and economic progress.
