Addressing Demographic Challenges: Insights from Tribhuvan University's Population Education Department

In a world grappling with demographic imbalances and migration complexities, the role of academic research and expertise in population studies has never been more crucial. This was the crux of a recent press conference held by the Central Department of Population Education at Tribhuvan University on January 4, 2024. The gathering highlighted significant insights and future directions in population studies, stressing its impact on national policy and development.

Understanding Population Dynamics: A Key to Effective Policy Making

• The head professor of the department, Dr. Yogendra Gurung, emphasized the shift in Nepal's focus from population control to population management. With a declining birth rate now at just one percent of the total population, there is a pressing need to address the burgeoning senior citizen demographic, which constitutes 7% of the populace, alongside considerations for the future of the 28% youth segment.
• The study of population trends is not just a theoretical pursuit but a cornerstone for shaping economic, social, and political policies. The department underscores the importance of harnessing human data for the welfare of society.

Learning from Global Experiences

• Dr. Padmaprasad Khatiwada, an associate professor, drew attention to the lessons that can be gleaned from China's evolving population policies. From the one-child norm to encouraging larger family units, these shifts offer valuable perspectives for countries like Nepal, navigating similar challenges.
• The department is proactively addressing the brain drain phenomenon and population fluctuations by offering scholarships, engaging in national and international research, and disseminating findings that can guide policy formulation.

Training and Collaboration:

• Recognizing the need for specialized knowledge, the department is launching a two-week intensive training program. This initiative, aimed at population scholars, government employees, and diplomats, is a collaborative effort with international immigration organizations.
• Since its establishment in 1990, the Central Department of Population has played a pivotal role in advancing population studies. With over 2,300 postgraduates, 182 MPhils, and 19 Ph.D. graduates, the department stands as a beacon of expertise and research in the field.
• Collaborations with various governmental bodies like the Ministry of Health and Population, the Ministry of Forest and Environment, and the National Planning Commission, further reinforce the department's commitment to practical and impactful research.

Producing Experts for Tomorrow's Challenges

• Associate Professor Balkrishna Mabohang highlighted the necessity of producing a sufficient number of population experts. This expertise is crucial for determining the country's manpower needs and prioritizing development agendas.

The insights shared at the press conference by Tribhuvan University's Central Department of Population Education underscore the vital role of academic research and expertise in addressing the complex challenges of demographic changes and migration. As Nepal and other nations navigate these issues, the work of such institutions becomes increasingly relevant for informed policy-making and sustainable development.