CNI News
30 October 2025
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission, stated that neglecting young people could lead to a Demographic Burden and a decrease in stability and peace, and in the worst-case scenario, it could result in a Demographic Disaster (the danger of population decline).
He made this statement at the ceremony in Nay Pyi Taw on October 27, 2025, for the release of the Union Report on the 2024 Population and Housing Census.
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing said, "In many countries around the world, when young people are nurtured, fostered, and provided with opportunities and hopes, they become the driving force for the country's development. By investing beneficially in our youth today, we can seize the benefits of the Demographic Dividend in the future. Otherwise, if our youth are neglected, it could lead to a Demographic Burden and a decrease in stability and peace, and in the worst-case scenario, a Demographic Disaster (the danger of population decline)."
Myanmar youths
Therefore, he stressed the need to formulate and adopt population policies appropriate for the country to achieve a desirable and suitable population that aligns with Myanmar's land, water, and natural resources. He added that preparations must be made by looking ahead for a generation, emphasizing that "You cannot dig a well now and expect to drink clear water immediately."
According to the 2024 census data, the country's population has decreased slightly for the first time in decades. Senior General Min Aung Hlaing said this is due to a decline in the birth rate, high migration rates, and changes in family patterns, which present both a challenge and an opportunity.
He noted that outward migration depends on the country's socio-economic conditions, political stability, domestic employment opportunities, and the economic development of neighboring countries. Therefore, long-term development plans must be established and implemented to manage and guide the situation.
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing seen at a census ceremony
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing stated, "Although outward migration is high among our country’s youth, as a result of a previously high birth rate, the number of young, working-age people is still large. In other words, we are still in a period where we can reap the Demographic Bonus, also known as the Demographic Dividend. Therefore, it is crucial to properly and effectively manage these young people to benefit national development efforts before the period for receiving the Demographic Dividend runs out."
In Myanmar, censuses were conducted eight times between 1872 and 1941 before independence. Subsequently, censuses were conducted in 1973, 1983, 2014, and 2024.
