Successes and failures in the field of population policies since 1984

During the 2nd half of the 20th century, there has been a marked growth in awareness of the problems associated with population growth. The compromise consensus reached at Bucharest and reaffirmed at Mexico City set limited goals against which progress can be partially measured. Acceptance of the need to formulate population goals and policies grew, especially in the less developed countries. Progress was made in reducing mortality, but the goals set by the international community were not fully met. Results in the area of fertility were markedly heterogenous between regions. Rather more was accomplished in restraining the rapid growth of the urban agglomerations, and in some countries there is greater freedom of internal migration, although coercive resettlement policies are still found in a few countries. For policies to succeed, it is essential to reach a national consensus on population issues. Research and debate on population issues in international forums such as the conferences at Bucharest and Mexico City can contribute to the attainment of a national consensus.