A role for business in population management?
Global population numbers are on track to reach 7 billion in 2011, just 12 years after reaching 6 billion in 1999, and virtually all of the growth is in developing countries writes Richard Welford for CSR ASIA In the context of CSR, however, the role that business might play in trying to get to grips with a sustainable population has not yet been adequately recognised.
In particular, the rapid growth in populations in developing countries over the last few two decades has resulted in huge increases in young people. With the right investments in health, education, rural agricultural development, entrepreneurship, and training, a large youth population can be an opportunity for development and economic growth. However, without educational opportunities and a strong economy with healthy labor markets, the youth bulge can be problematic.