'Saugu' Forum on Thursday: How Many People Does Lithuania Need?

Lithuania is grappling with a severe demographic crisis, marked by a birth rate that has nearly halved over the past two decades. This consistent decline, observed across most developed nations, has prompted serious concerns about the country's future population and how to address the issue.

The "Saugu" (Safe) forum, scheduled for Thursday, aims to tackle this critical topic by exploring various perspectives on why Lithuanians are having fewer children. Discussions will delve into potential causes, such as a shift in lifestyle prioritizing personal well-being, or the impact of uncertain economic and social conditions. The forum will also question whether a smaller population is manageable if a secure and high-quality life can be ensured for those who remain.

"This is a topic that almost everyone has an opinion on. Who is to blame for Lithuanians no longer having children – the desire to live for oneself, a changed lifestyle, or insecure economic and social conditions? Or perhaps more people are not needed if we figure out how to ensure a safe, quality life for the number of people we will have?" noted Rasa Lukaitytė-Vnarauskienė, chief editor of "Delfi" and moderator of the "Saugu" forum. She emphasized the importance of considering multiple aspects, including not only boosting birth rates and immigration but also encouraging the return of emigrants and investing in technology.

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This is a topic that almost everyone has an opinion on. Who is to blame for Lithuanians no longer having children – the desire to live for oneself, a changed lifestyle, or insecure economic and social conditions? Or perhaps more people are not needed if we figure out how to ensure a safe, quality life for the number of people we will have?

The forum will host prominent figures such as Giedrė Kaminskaitė-Salters, CEO of Telia Lietuva; Boguslavas Gruževskis, an economist, sociologist, and professor at Vilnius University; and Mindaugas Sinkevičius, leader of the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party and mayor of Jonava District. These leaders are expected to share their insights and ideas on strengthening Lithuania's security and future.

The "Saugu" forums are part of a broader initiative by "Delfi" aimed at reinforcing the message that Lithuania is, and will remain, a safe country when politicians, businesses, and citizens all contribute. The initiative includes professional journalistic content on security topics, discussion forums, expert commentary to provide context, and a collective agreement on individual contributions to national security.

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It is important to consider many aspects of this topic – not only the possible increase in birth rate, immigration, but also the return of emigrants, investments in technologies, etc.