As populations age, shrink or shift across territories, governments face a growing need to adapt how they plan, invest and deliver services. The OECD guidelines on the multi-level governance of demographic change provide practical guidance for national and subnational authorities to anticipate and manage these transformations. Drawing on international practices, the seven guidelines outline key actions to help governments align policies and investments with evolving population realities, particularly demographic shrinking and ageing. Each guideline is structured around a clear rationale, practical recommendations, expected benefits, common pitfalls to avoid and international examples of good practices. They cover how to integrate demographic projections into strategic planning, tailor sectoral policies to local needs, strengthen co-ordination across levels of government, build community participation, attract and retain skilled public staff, adapt fiscal frameworks, and adjust services and infrastructure provision. The guidelines aim to help countries and regions remain resilient, inclusive and fiscally sustainable in the face of demographic change, serving as a valuable resource for policymakers and practitioners working on regional development, public finance and service delivery.
