Latin America and the Caribbean are characterized by a rapid demographic transition process. Population ageing is one of the most notable demographic trends. This poses important challenges in terms of pensions, health, social protection and care, among others. In this context, methodological developments based on National Transfer Accounts (NTA) allow the scope and magnitude of the demographic bonus to be calculated, as well as the expenses associated with ageing, based on the economic life cycle, understood as consumption and income patterns at all ages. To date, 12 countries in the Latin American and Caribbean region have made efforts to develop their respective NTAs, and several of them are considering integrating these accounts into their national statistical systems. A recent case is that of the National Administrative Department of Statistics (DANE) of Colombia.
NTAs combine information from the national accounts system with data from household surveys and other sources. Intergenerational transfers also have important implications for inequality (within and across generations). In this context, it is important to refer to disaggregations of NTAs, such as the National Time Transfer Accounts (NTTA) and the National Inclusion Accounts (NIA), respectively.
Ensuring that ‘no one is left behind’ is a central promise of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development; therefore, to assess gaps between population groups and meet this proposal, disaggregation of data beyond averages is required. As mentioned, disaggregation is especially important to address the dual objective of inclusion and sustainability in the context of population ageing. This requires, among others, a technical and financial effort, as well as developing a robust strategy to make these discussions visible, particularly among LAC countries, to strengthen the estimation, production and use of ISAs.
It should be noted that this side event on NIA is part of the activities of the United Nations Development Account (Tranche 15) “Inclusive and sustainable economic growth in a society for all ages in the post-COVID-19 era in Asia and Latin America and the Caribbean.”
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