Hanoi People's Committee on 19/1 issued a plan for population and development work in the city for 2026, including initiatives to encourage young people to marry.

The plan aims to address several key demographic challenges: maintaining a stable replacement fertility rate, encouraging couples and individuals to have two children, reducing the birth gender imbalance, and improving population quality to enhance human resources. It also seeks to promote elderly healthcare and adapt to the city's aging population.

A couple takes wedding photos by Hoan Kiem Lake in 2022. *Photo: Pham Chieu*.

For 2026, the city has set specific targets: an average life expectancy of 76,8 years, 91% of elderly residents receiving regular health check-ups, and the average height of 18-year-old males and females increasing by 0,3 cm compared to 2024. Additionally, 87% of couples are targeted to receive pre-marital health counseling and check-ups.

To achieve these objectives, the city proposes various tasks and solutions. Key among these is reviewing, researching, developing, and issuing appropriate support policies and interventions to encourage young men and women to marry early.

The plan outlines specific initiatives, stating: "The city will organize communication events to attract youth participation. It will also implement models and clubs to help single individuals get acquainted, alongside programs encouraging young people to have two children before age 35."

Beyond marriage and fertility, the city will implement public awareness, education, and behavioral change campaigns focused on the physical development and stature of Hanoi residents. These campaigns will target managers, leaders at all levels, teachers, students, parents, and all social strata. Furthermore, artificial intelligence (AI) and Big Data will be applied to forecast population trends, simulate migration, and analyze population structure changes, supporting the capital's socio-economic development strategy.

Vo Hai