Pohang City, Gyeongbuk Province, and the Presidential Committee on Low Birthrate and Aging Society Hold Policy Meeting to Address Low Birthrate
Mayor Lee: "We Must Develop Consumer-Centered Customized Policies to Overcome the Low Birthrate Crisis"
On the 4th, Pohang City held a policy meeting to address low birth rates at the POSCO main conference room, together with Gyeongbuk Province and the Presidential Committee on Ageing Society and Population Policy.
The meeting was attended by Mayor Lee Kangdeok, Vice Chairman Joo Hyunhwan of the Presidential Committee on Ageing Society and Population Policy, Governor Lee Cheolwoo of Gyeongbuk Province, as well as more than 40 policy stakeholders related to low birth rates, including parents with multiple children, newlyweds, pregnant women, youth, HR managers from family-friendly companies, and daycare center directors. Various discussions were held with these participants.
The attendees asked questions and shared policies regarding low birth rate measures, and discussed ways to improve policies to overcome the issue.
Gyeongbuk Province is presenting a variety of policy roadmaps to share and actively respond to the national crisis caused by low birth rates, while Pohang City is also continuously developing policies for work-life balance, housing, and childcare to actively tackle the issue.
Mayor Lee Kangdeok stated, "Overcoming low birth rates is a social issue that requires long-term and consistent efforts and the attention of the entire nation, including in areas such as housing, jobs, and youth policies. Central government, local governments, and companies must work together to develop customized, demand-centered policies, reduce the burden of childrearing, and create an environment where it is easier to have and raise children."
After the meeting, participants visited the POSCO Dongchon Daycare Center to tour the facilities and encourage the staff.
Vice Chairman Joo Hyunhwan of the Presidential Committee on Ageing Society and Population Policy said, "For working parents to raise their children with peace of mind, companies, subsidiaries, and partner company employees must all cooperate. I hope companies will share excellent cases that can eliminate gaps in childcare and join efforts to overcome low birth rates."
Since 2022, Pohang City has been operating two part-time emergency childcare centers?the first in Gyeongbuk Province to provide services on holidays and at night. This has now been expanded to 24/7 care, with the municipal Hillstate Pohang Daycare Center and Pohang Buk-gu District Office Daycare Center operating as 24-hour, 365-day facilities.
When the Heunghae Ainuri Plaza is completed, the municipal Heunghae Daycare Center will be relocated and operated as an additional 24/7 daycare center. The city is also working to build public childcare infrastructure, such as public kids cafes, public toy libraries, and free rental of childcare items, to foster a healthy parenting culture.
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