EU Presidency statement - The 2nd World Assembly on Ageing

Summary: May 10, 2002: Statement by the Presidency of the European Union on the 2nd World Assembly on Ageing (Madrid, April 8-12, 2002), (Geneva)

Mr. Chairman,

The II World Assembly on Ageing (WAA II) was held in Madrid from 8th to 12th of April. The major demographic changes occurred since the WAA I, held in Vienna (1982), requested the holding of this Second Assembly and the adoption of a new International Plan of Action.

162 UN member countries delegations, together with representations from Intergovernmental Organisation, specialised UN Agencies and UN institutions took part in this meeting.

The following are the most relevant achievements of the International Plan of Action on Ageing 2002:

Whilst the Vienna Plan (1982) was mainly focused on the developed countries, and the assistance and support to older persons in need, the Madrid Plan highlights the conditions existing also in developing countries, and "countries with economies in transition". Furthermore, it takes older persons into account not only regarding their need of assistance, but also as generators of economic resources, valuing their active participation in social, economic, cultural and political spheres.
The new International Plan of Action while respecting the principles of the Millennium Declaration, on providing for the development of favourable environments for older persons introduces very relevant elements, which were not considered before:

- Older persons' mental health, referring to Alzheimer-related diseases;

- Ageing disabled persons;

- Abuse and violence against older persons, as well as their neglect;

- A global view of ageing as a process covering the whole vital cycle. Actions such as prevention, adoption of healthy lifestyle, professional and informal care as well as rehabilitation, are particularly highlighted.
As a novelty regarding the Plan of 1982, the situation of older persons and AIDS, particularly in the developing countries, is introduced. Especially, the importance of older people taking care of children, their grand-sons, whose parents have died due to AIDS or have contracted this disease.
Special stress is put on the defence and promotion of Human Rights and fundamental freedoms of older persons, adding the need to take measures in order to avoid any form of age discrimination.
This Plan introduces the gender perspective in the ageing related processes.
Likewise, it establishes a strong link between ageing and development so that the situation of older persons is taken into account in all Plans and Programmes for Development, on any scale.
As far as labour is concerned, the possibility for older persons to prolong their working life as long as they wish, according with national legislations, is provided. To this end, actions such as permanent training, anti-discriminatory measures on the grounds of age in jobs are designed. Furthermore, it provides sustainable social protection systems and flexible retirement, among others.
With regard to the family, the Plan highlights the important role the former plays as provider of informal care, as well as the need to encourage intergenerational solidarity, as a factor of social cohesion.
This second Plan of Action contains specific sections on its implementation, follow-up and assessment, and attaches great importance to international research with regard to ageing.

Mr. Chairman, the following are some of the main aspects of the Political Declaration:

It acknowledges the importance of international co-operation to complement national efforts made in order to implement the International Plan of Action.
Concerning globalization, it recalls that the technological capacity and richness existing in today's world offer extraordinary opportunities for men and women to reach the third age in the best health conditions. However, at the same time it recognises that there are some obstacles in this process, which affect the developing countries, and some countries with economies in transition.
The Political Declaration highlights the importance of international research on ageing and related subjects as an important instrument to draw up policies on ageing, based on reliable and harmonised indicators, developed by both national and international statistics organisations.
It acknowledges the important role played by families, voluntary staff, communities and organisations of older persons in the support and informal care provided to older persons, besides the action already developed by governments.
As far as the implementation of the Plan of Action is concerned, together with the precision that governments are the main responsible for this task, reference is made to the collaboration of civil society, as well as the own organisations of older persons.
Finally, it underlines the importance of the role played by the United Nations System and its Regional Commissions in the collaboration with Governments, with a view to implementing and following up the International Plan of Action on Ageing 2002, always taking into account the economic, social and demographic differences existing among the different States and Regions.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Ref: PRES02-083EN
EU source: EU Presidency
UN forum: Other
Date: 10/5/2002

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