|
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
| Ageing |
|
| Ageing has been selected as the MOST regional priority for Europe, including Eastern and Central Europe, and North America. |
|
Among the challenges, and opportunities, facing Europe in the 21st century is that the remarkable demographic transition under way has profound consequences for many aspects of individual, community, national and international life. In some developed countries the number of older persons will be more than twice that of children by 2050. This demographic transformation challenges our societies to promote increased opportunities for older persons to realize their potential to participate in all aspects of life.
UNESCO is expected to contribute to the implementation of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, 2002, adopted by the Second World Assembly on Ageing (8-12 April 2002, Madrid, Spain).
The International Plan of Action on Ageing 2002 calls for changes in attitudes, policies and practices at all levels in all sectors so that the enormous potential of ageing in the twenty-first century may be fulfilled, and to promote the development of a society for all ages.
The International Plan of Action on Ageing stresses the commitment to actions focusing on three priority directions:
Older persons and development;
Advancing health and well-being into old age; and
Ensuring enabling and supportive environments.
Among other issues, the Plan of Action emphasizes "The implementation of the International Plan of Action on Ageing, 2002, also requires, inter alia, a political, economic, ethical and spiritual vision for social development of older persons based on human dignity, human rights, equality, respect, peace, democracy, mutual responsibility and cooperation and full respect for the various religions and ethical values and cultural backgrounds of people."
Furthermore it stresses "There is a need to encourage and advance comprehensive, diversified and specialized research on ageing in all countries, particularly in developing countries. Research, including age and gender-sensitive data collection and analysis, provides essential evidence for effective policies. A principal task of the research component of the International Plan of Action on Ageing, 2002, is to facilitate, as appropriate, the implementation of the recommendations and actions defined in the International Plan of Action. The availability of reliable information is indispensable in identifying emerging issues and adopting recommendations." This is namely at the core of the research-policy nexus which is the focus of MOST.
Of relevance for MOST in the context of the regional priority theme and the follow-up to Madrid is also General Assembly Resolution 59/150 of 20 December 2004, which invites the United Nations system to ensure that the challenges of population ageing and the concerns of older persons are adequately incorporated into their programmes and invites the UN system to encourage and support comprehensive, diversified and specialized research on ageing in all countries.
The Research Agenda on Ageing for the Twenty-First Century, which is developed by the United Nations Programme on Ageing, and designed to support the implementation of the Madrid International Plan for Action on Ageing is also of highest relevance to the MOST Programme. The Research agenda identifies priorities for policy related research and data collection. Simultaneously, it encourages researchers to pursue studies in policy related areas of ageing where the findings may have practical and realistic applications. In its section 4 it is stated "Organizations such as ILO, UNESCO, UNFPA, WHO and the UN Regional Commissions, Development Banks etc. should be invited to review their policies and priorities in ageing related research in the context of the globally oriented Research Agenda with a view to effectively contributing to world advancement of knowledge and understanding in the field of ageing."
MOST will, to implement the regional research priority on ageing and to follow-up the International Plan for Action on Ageing, and to support the Research Agenda on Ageing for the Twenty-First Century, collaborate with UNDESA, other UN agencies such as ILO, Member States, researchers, NGOs and other representatives for the civil society.
MOST has co-organized the conference "Towards a Multiage Society: The Cultural Dimension of Age Policies". It was held at the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), in Brussels, Belgium, from 29 to 30 November 2006.
More on MOST's Regional Priorities ... |
|
|
|
|
 Email this page  Printable version
|
|
|
|
