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Guernsey’s “demographic dilemma” will be the focus at the Institute of Directors' mid-term meeting.
The island’s shrinking proportion of younger people, including a “missing decade” of 20 to 30 year olds, and the growing proportion of post-retirement islanders will be the topic of a panel discussion.
Economist Dr Matthew Agarwala of the Bennett Institute for Public Policy at Cambridge University will be the keynote speaker at the annual event.
Dr Agarwala is one of the founders of the Wealth Economy Project, which seeks to transform economic measurement to better reflect sustainability, inequality and human wellbeing.
Following his keynote speech, Dr Agarwala will join a panel of local experts who will discuss the island’s current population position, what is achievable and how the island’s demographic challenges might be resolved.
Panel guests include Policy & Resources Committee member Deputy Mark Helyar, Carey Olsen Partner Elaine Gray and former Deputy and Principal Consultant for Critical Economics Chris Brock.
Institute of Directors' Chair Wendy Dorey said the topic was important for Guernsey.
“The island faces a number of significant demographic challenges, from declining birth rates, a shrinking work age population to an increasing dependency ratio,” she said.
“The challenge is complex and multi-faceted and needs to be tackled in an integrated manner.
“We hope that bringing together a blend of different expertise and perspective can provide inspiration and momentum to turn the tide on this issue.”
Dr Agarwala was keynote speaker at last year’s event.
“Matthew’s keynote speech last year was thought-provoking, relevant and well-received by all attendees,” said Ms Dorey.
“I’m delighted to welcome Matthew back to the island and am looking forward to exploring how we can turn the Bailiwick’s demographic challenges into opportunities for the Bailiwick to thrive both socially and economically.”
The event is being supported by a principal event sponsor, Carey Olsen. The digital sponsor is JT and the breakfast sponsor is Intertrust.
The event will take place at the St Pierre Park Hotel on Friday 25 March from 08:00 until 10:00.
Tickets can be purchased HERE.
Pictured top: Dr Matthew Agarwala
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