Malaysia is strengthening its position as a regional leader on population and development following the appointment of the Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development (AFPPD) Global Secretariat in the country and a new strategic partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
The move was reinforced on 12 May when AFPPD Global signed an agreement granting it formal Implementation Partner status under the 2026-2029 UNFPA Global and Regional Programme, enhancing Malaysia’s role in shaping regional dialogue on demographic challenges facing ASEAN.
The partnership comes as Southeast Asian countries grapple with ageing populations, declining fertility rates and shrinking working-age populations. Singapore’s population aged 65 and above surpassed 20% last year, while Malaysia became an ageing nation in 2021. Thailand and Vietnam are also experiencing rapid demographic transitions driven by longer life expectancy and lower birth rates.
UNFPA Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, Aleksandar ‘Sasha’ Bodiroza, said stronger regional cooperation is needed to help countries adapt to demographic change and build more inclusive and resilient societies.
Malaysia’s leadership role was highlighted through the inaugural ASEAN-UNFPA Forum on Population Dynamics and Development held in Kuala Lumpur in November 2025, which brought together regional stakeholders to discuss population-related issues. The second edition, focusing on unlocking the silver economy, is being held in Manila this week with Malaysian participation.
Since 1982, Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development has facilitated cooperation among policymakers across Asia on issues affecting youth, women and older persons.
UNFPA said Malaysia’s hosting of the AFPPD Global Secretariat demonstrates its growing capacity to lead regional policy discussions and develop data-driven solutions to address ASEAN’s long-term demographic challenges.
