Across the globe, the landscape of population growth and humanitarian development is undergoing a profound transformation. On October 20, 2025, two major stories converged to highlight both the opportunities and challenges facing societies worldwide: the United Nations’ prediction of an impending global population decline by 2080, and Georgia’s emergence as a powerhouse in global development, innovation, and “glocal” leadership. These developments—one demographic, the other strategic—underscore how interconnected our world has become, and how local action can ripple outward to influence global trends.
Demographers at the United Nations sounded a clarion call: the number of humans on Earth is expected to start shrinking as soon as 2080, marking the culmination of a worldwide decline in birth rates that began two generations ago. According to the UN, this isn’t just a blip or a regional phenomenon—it’s a sweeping trend that cuts across cultures, continents, and economic divides. The shift away from motherhood is happening slowly but surely, with fewer women choosing to have children and those who do opting for smaller families than in previous generations.
This demographic transition is already sparking debate and concern. A recent Pew Research poll found that 53% of Americans now believe that fewer people choosing to have children in the future would negatively impact the United States—a six-point jump from last year. The anxiety is bipartisan, reflecting worries about economic growth, workforce sustainability, and the very fabric of society. What does a world with fewer children look like? And how will nations adapt to the new realities of aging populations and shrinking labor forces?
As these questions swirl, Georgia is stepping into the limelight as a global development hub, offering a blueprint for how local innovation and international cooperation can help address some of the world’s most pressing issues. According to reporting from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Georgia is home to nearly 800 large-scale, internationally focused nonprofit organizations, including the renowned CARE Center and The Carter Center. Collectively, these organizations generate billions of dollars in annual employment and investment, making the state a magnet for global development talent and partnerships.
But Georgia’s role isn’t just about hosting big organizations; it’s about fostering a vibrant, skilled workforce and creating business-friendly environments that attract international investment. The state’s unique combination of diverse culture, civic engagement, and connectivity—bolstered by assets like Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport—has transformed it into a “gateway for global good.” As Michelle Nunn, CEO of Atlanta-based CARE, put it, "Our world is interconnected in ways we often underestimate. The fate of our technology, our trade, and our security is linked in ways that make isolation impossible."
The imperative for strategic, people-centered global development has never been greater. Economic growth, peace, and the resolution of cross-border conflicts increasingly depend on strong international partnerships and investments in vulnerable populations. Georgia’s development ecosystem is thriving, not just due to its nonprofits but also thanks to its academic institutions, such as Georgia Tech’s Sam Nunn School of International Affairs, Emory University, Spelman College, and Morehouse College. These schools are training the workforce of the future, focusing on innovative education, technology, and real-world problem-solving that spans both local and global contexts.
Students from Georgia are learning firsthand how interconnected the world truly is. They’re participating in programs that emphasize leadership, innovation, and the practical application of lessons drawn from global institutions. As a result, they’re prepared to address challenges ranging from climate change and migration to poverty and corruption—both at home and abroad.
One of Georgia’s greatest strengths lies in its ability to translate global solutions into local impact. The lessons learned from fighting hunger, improving maternal health, and addressing food insecurity in sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, or Asia are directly applicable to tackling disparities right here in Georgia. The state’s approach, described as “glocal” leadership, embodies the idea that local and global challenges require shared solutions, collaborative capacity-building, and a willingness to learn from others.
This mindset isn’t just theoretical. Georgia’s partnerships between public and private sectors are generating practical, scalable solutions that benefit communities worldwide. Whether it’s supporting the health and well-being of local residents or contributing to peace and prosperity in distant markets, the state’s development organizations are proving that investing in global good makes everyone stronger, safer, and more prosperous.
Yet, even as Georgia’s development sector thrives, the shrinking pool of young people—both globally and locally—raises important questions about the future. As the world’s population ages and the workforce contracts, who will fill the roles needed to sustain economic growth, drive innovation, and provide essential services? The Pew poll’s findings suggest that Americans are increasingly aware of these challenges, with more than half expressing concern about the social and economic consequences of declining birth rates.
This sense of urgency is echoed in Georgia’s approach to workforce development. The state is investing heavily in education, technology, and leadership training to ensure that future generations are equipped to tackle the world’s most complex problems. By integrating human-centered policy, technological resilience, and cross-sector collaboration, Georgia is positioning itself as a leader in the next chapter of global development.
It’s not just about numbers or economic output. It’s about purpose, shared prosperity, and the conviction that what happens globally matters locally—and vice versa. As Michelle Nunn observed, "When we invest in development, we become stronger, safer, and more prosperous people with more opportunity." That ethos is shaping Georgia’s identity as a champion of global good, even as the world enters a period of demographic uncertainty and transition.
The convergence of a shrinking global population and Georgia’s dynamic development sector offers a compelling case study in adaptation and resilience. It reminds us that, while demographic shifts may be inevitable, the choices we make—about education, investment, and international cooperation—will determine how well we navigate the challenges ahead. In a world where every community is, in some sense, a global community, Georgia’s example stands as a testament to the power of “glocal” leadership, purposeful investment, and the enduring value of working together for the common good.