OECD and UNFPA demographic forums in Chania

In November 2026, Chania, Greece, hosted forums focused on population dynamics and demographic challenges. The OECD Crete Centre Forum, held in collaboration with the Delphi Economic Forum and the Municipality of Chania, addressed themes of sustainable growth, social cohesion, and territorial resilience. The event aimed to examine the impacts of birth rate deficits, labor shortages, migration, and housing pressures to assist in policy design.

Following this, the 3rd Annual Forum of the UNFPA Crete Centre for Population Dynamics convened experts and policymakers to discuss aging populations, rural depopulation, and low birth rates. During the forum, Greek Minister of State Akis Skertzos identified housing as a primary economic pressure on families and announced an 8 billion euro government program intended to support 1.5 million households. Additionally, Deputy Minister of Migration and Asylum Sevi Voloudaki stated that migration should not be treated as a primary solution to demographic decline, arguing instead for state policies that support employment and housing to encourage family formation.