Press Release No. G/31/99
29 October 1999
Bangkok (United Nations Information Services) -- The International Symposium on Planning Attainable Targets for Societies for All Ages convened by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) in Macau concluded today following 4 days of intensive and fruitful discussion.
The Symposium adopted a set of recommendations to refine the Guidelines on the Implementation of the Macau Plan of Action on Ageing which is envisaged to serve as a reference for countries in setting up specific time-bound goals and targets on ageing.
The Symposium is expected to generate international support for the implementation of the Macau Plan of Action, and to promote the United Nations Principles for Older Persons and its theme, "Towards a society for all ages".
The global and regional situation on ageing and major areas of concern relating to older persons in their respective countries was examined. Participants confirmed the need for Guidelines on the implementation of the Macau Plan of Action, taking into consideration the specific conditions and priorities of each countries.
Secretary for Social Affairs and Budgeting of the Government of Macau, Dr. Troni, emphasized that the Symposium contributed to the strengthening of national capabilities on ageing through the exchange of information.
Ms. Kayoko Mizuta, Deputy Executive Secretary of ESCAP, said that while responsibility for implementing the Macau Plan of Action for Asia and the Pacific primarily rests with governments and national organizations, the non-governmental organizations, regional and international organizations had an important role to play in supporting efforts at the national level especially in monitoring progress.
The Symposium is part of a series of activities implemented by ESCAP in commemoration of the International Year of Older Persons (l999). It brought together about l00 representatives of national focal points and agencies as well as NGOs and academic institutions dealing with older persons from 24 countries and areas in Asia and the Pacific and from other regions. United Nations bodies and specialized agencies and other organizations concerned with issues relating to older persons participated.
"Asia and the Pacific is growing old. The proportion of older (60 years and over) persons has been increasing steadily in most countries, rapidly in some of them. It has been said that while many developed countries became rich before they grew old, developing countries will grow old before they become rich," said an ESCAP official.
"The ageing of the region's populations will have an impact on the socio-economic development and the culture of societies, posing many challenges to all - governments, NGOs, communities, families and individuals. To meet these challenges, Governments of the ESCAP region adopted the Macau Plan of Action on Ageing for Asia and the Pacific in April l999. The Macau Plan is the first and, so far, the only regional plan devoted to ageing. It emphasizes the dual role of older persons as both participants and beneficiaries of the development process and social progress," the official said.