On May 7–8, 2026, the 2nd Regional Ministerial Conference on Demographic Resilience was prominently held in Skopje, North Macedonia. This prestigious international event once again underscored the global recognition and effectiveness of Vietnam's community-based solutions for an ageing population.
Seeking Human-Centred Solutions for Demographic Shifts
Co-organised by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Government of North Macedonia, this year’s conference focused on a highly critical theme: “Shaping Change: Human-Centred Solutions for Demographic Resilience.”
The conference was honoured by the attendance and opening remarks of the President and Prime Minister of North Macedonia. It gathered numerous ministers, high-level policymakers, leading experts, and international organisations to discuss and address the pressing challenges of population ageing and demographic shifts across Europe, Central Asia, and the world.
Vietnam’s Innovation Takes Center Stage
During the key thematic session titled “Policy Reforms to Adapt to Demographic Change: Global Lessons Learned,”the delegation from Vietnam drew significant interest from international delegates.
Ms. Chu Viet Nga – Program Manager of HelpAge International in Vietnam – delivered an insightful presentation highlighting the practical success of the Intergenerational Self-Help Club (ISHC) model. The ISHC is highly regarded as a comprehensive, sustainable, and community-led solution that actively addresses rapid population ageing.
Ms. Chu Viet Nga’s presentation emphasised how the ISHC model successfully drives:
- ntergenerational Solidarity: Bridging the gap and fostering mutual support between the youth and older generations.
- Active and Healthy Ageing: Providing continuous physical and mental health care for its members.
- Social Participation of Older Adults: Empowering older persons to raise their voices, assert their values, and contribute to local development.
- Community-Based Care: Establishing home care volunteer networks to support vulnerable and frail older adults.
- An Integrated Approach: Seamlessly connecting healthcare, livelihood support, social protection, and community engagement for older persons.
A Sustainable, Cost-Effective, and Globally Replicable Solution
As many nations struggle with the soaring fiscal burdens of social security systems amid ageing demographics, Vietnam's ISHC model stood out as an exemplary solution. The conference recognised the model for being highly sustainable, cost-effective, and scalable. It serves as a vital tool to enhance demographic resilience and strengthen social cohesion at the grassroots level.
The 2nd Regional Ministerial Conference provided a valuable platform for countries to exchange knowledge and experiences regarding integrated policy approaches to population and development. Ultimately, it reaffirmed the shared global commitment to ensuring social inclusion, equality, and an improved quality of life for all generations.
HelpAge International in Vietnam is in the process of strategic transition and localisation into VIOBA Social Enterprise to sustain and expand the local development.
