Feature Articles

Forum on Fertility

Ref Number: ESEAOR200512b

  • Date9 Dec 2005
  • Category FPA Message
  • TargetsN/A
  • AuthorFPAHK
  • Topic Birth and Pregnancy

On 9 December 2005, the Family Planning Association of Hong Kong (FPAHK) held a Forum on Fertility in collaboration with the Faculty of Social Sciences of the University of Hong Kong. It was the first open forum in Hong Kong to bring together people from different sectors in the community to discuss critical concerns regarding the sharp decline in fertility in Hong Kong, including barriers to fertility, its impact on population development and possible solutions, such as the introduction of pro-natalistic policies, to raise fertility.

The one-day forum was opened with a keynote address by Professor Edward Tu from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology on “Fertility Transition, Gender Equity and Policy measures”, followed by two plenary sessions in the morning on “Socioeconomic Impact on Fertility” and “Solutions to Low Fertility” respectively. The afternoon session consisted of a round table discussion on “Feasible Solutions to Raise Fertility in Hong Kong” and a floor discussion with the audience. The Forum was attended by 200 participants from a diversified background ranging from academics and research professionals, social commentators, NGO workers, representatives from government departments, political parties, pressure groups, students as well as general members of the public.

Audio recording of the Forum was uploaded on to the FPAHK website www.famplan.org.hk after the event for a wide sharing with the public. A summary of the points discussed at the Forum will be circulated to government departments, agencies and interest parties concerned.