Demography must be planned fifty or one hundred years ahead
On 24 July 2026, Delo published an extensive article entitled Demography must be planned fifty or one hundred years ahead. In it, Aleksandar Uglješić, Director of the Institute for Demographic Future, and co-founder Žiga Florjan Sedelčić presented the Institute’s views on Slovenia’s key demographic challenges.
The article addresses low fertility, population ageing, the future of the labour market, migration, technological development and long-term planning. Its central message is that today’s decisions do not shape only the present; they will also determine the country’s demographic, economic and social profile in the second half of this century.
Long-term and predictable measures
Demographic change is slow but predictable. Measures must therefore be coordinated, long-term and resilient to changes in political mandates.
An environment for young people and families
Young people often have fewer children than they would like. It is important to reduce uncertainty surrounding housing, employment and the reconciliation of work and family life.
Reshaping the labour market
In the coming decades, workplaces will need to be adapted to older employees, while investment in knowledge and productivity and the responsible introduction of automation will become increasingly important.
Preparing for an ageing society
Longer lives are a major social achievement, but they also require greater investment in preventive healthcare, active ageing and lifelong learning.
The publication in Delo is an important step in the development and public recognition of the Institute for Demographic Future. It brings the discussion on Slovenia’s demographic future to a broader audience and helps ensure that long-term questions receive greater expert attention.
We thank the editorial team of Delo and journalist Andreja Žibret Ifko for the professional preparation of the article and for dedicating space to one of Slovenia’s most important development challenges.