ERIA and UNFPA Asia-Pacific Deepen Cooperation on Ageing and Population Policy

Jakarta, 24 February 2026: Dr Aleksandar Sasha Bodiroza, Regional Director of the United Nations Population Fund, Asia and the Pacific Regional Office (UNFPA APRO), paid a courtesy visit to ERI on 24 February 2026. The meeting, hosted by Dr Takayuki Yamanaka, ERIA's Chief Operating Officer, focused on strengthening institutional collaboration and exploring expanded cooperation on demographic change, population ageing, the silver economy, and social welfare across Asia.

Dr Yamanaka opened the discussion with warm greetings and congratulated Dr Bodiroza on his recent appointment, expressing appreciation for the opportunity to further deepen collaboration between the two institutions. Both sides underscored the importance of close coordination and sustained dialogue in responding to the region's rapidly evolving demographic landscape.

The discussion highlighted ERIA's and UNFPA's shared commitment to improving the quality of life of older persons, enhancing policymakers' understanding of the silver economy and social protection systems, advancing the application of national transfer accounts, and promoting evidence-based population and ageing policies.

ERIA expressed its appreciation for UNFPA's active engagement in two major ERIA-led initiatives: the FISCO project, which focuses on sustainable financing for integrated care systems for older persons, and the HARMONY initiative, which promotes maternal mental health across ASEAN. ERIA also welcomed UNFPA Indonesia's invitation to collaborate on population projections and planning. UNFPA, in turn, conveyed its appreciation for ERIA's proactive and effective support across a range of joint activities.

Both sides also noted their close cooperation in supporting the Philippines' preparations for its 2026 ASEAN Chairship, particularly in relation to the ASEAN High-Level Meeting on Unlocking the Silver Economy in ASEAN, scheduled for June 2026.

Looking ahead, ERIA and UNFPA identified several promising areas for deeper collaboration, including advancing the silver economy agenda, strengthening policymakers' understanding of ageing-related priorities, and supporting reforms to enhance financial security and social welfare systems.

The meeting concluded with both organisations reaffirming their commitment to the partnership and expressing optimism about the positive impact that closer collaboration will bring to older persons, communities, and policymakers across the region.