On May 21, 2013, a group of Armenian journalists met with Ralf Hakkert, Senior Advisor on Data and Research, Population and Development Branch Technical Division, UNFPA. The goal of the meeting was to discuss population policies in Armenia and alternatives to them, in particular in the light of Armenian Parliament currently discussing the new Government Program that contains certain measures to raise the fertility level in the country.

Garik Hayrapetyan, UNFPA Armenia Assistant Representative, presented the expert to the group of journalists. He pointed out that currently there are a number of steps being taken in Armenia to either directly or indirectly improve the fertility rate, however, their efficiency is not yet clear. According to Mr. Hayrapetyan, the current fertility rate in the country is around 1.5-1.6, while the Government of Armenia has set in its new program to raise it to 1.8.

Mr. Hakkert talked about demographic challenges that Armenia is facing and possible solutions to them. In particular, talking about low fertility rate, he mentioned that it is a relatively new phenomenon for UNFPA in terms of helping the governments to address it. Mr. Hakkert, while admitting that it is a legitimate wish of the Armenian government to want to increase the fertility rate, pointed out that it would be necessary to pay serious attention to interrelated issues like migration and high unemployment. Solution of these issues itself, as the advisor mentioned, can serve as a stimulus to higher fertility rate.

Read coverage in English: ArmenianNow; read in Armenian:  Aravot Daily, Radio Liberty, Azg Daily, Woman and Politics