[Index]
Ageing: a crucial topic for our times
Ministerial Conference on Ageing
(Berlin, Germany, 11-13 September 2002)
Geneva, 3 September 2002 -- If current demographic trends continue, countries in Europe and North America
will experience unprecedented changes in the age distribution of their populations.
The proportion of younger generations will dwindle, while that of older persons
will increase significantly. By 2050, every third person in Europe and North
America is expected be over the age of 60. Old age policies designed for with
a demographically younger society in mind must now be re-evaluated and appropriately
adjusted. International, national and local communities must begin to adapt
and/or design their infrastructures, policies, plans and resources to reflect
the changed demographic realities.
In order to address these complex issues, the United Nations Economic Commission
for Europe (UNECE) is organizing in cooperation with the Government of the
Federal Republic of Germany a regional Ministerial Conference on Ageing, which
will be held in Berlin from 11 to 13 September 2002. The Conference will consider
and adopt a Ministerial Declaration and a Regional Implementation Strategy
for the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing 2002, as adopted by
the Second World Assembly on Ageing (Madrid, April 2002).
Ageing is one of the salient economic, social and demographic phenomena of
our times. As an issue, it cannot be separated from social integration, gender
advancement, economic stability or issues of poverty. It has become connected
to many global agendas and increasingly plays a prominent role in the way
society interacts with economic and social welfare institutions, family and
community life and the roles of women.
The governments of the UNECE member States are aware of their responsibilities
with regard to the formulation and implementation of new policies to address
ageing, and are striving to combine their efforts in seeking solutions. This
cooperation was demonstrated successfully during the preparations for the
Ministerial Conference, and the Regional Implementation Strategy was developed
with the cooperation of actors from international bodies and in particular
from non-governmental organizations.
The attendance at the conference reflects the involvement of all actors.
In addition to delegations from UNECE member States, numerous international
organizations and NGOs will be participating as observers and contributing
their viewpoints to the deliberations.
It is the common aim of the member States and the UNECE to create the framework
conditions required to bring about future-oriented policies for all ages.
For further information please contact:
Jean Michel Jakobowicz
Public Information Officer
United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE)
Palais des Nations
CH - 1211 Geneva 10, Switzerland
Tel.: +41(0)22 917 44 44
Fax: +41(0)22 917 05 05
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: http://www.unece.org/ead/berlin2002/
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Pressereferat
Bundesministerium für Familie, Senioren, Frauen und Jugend
Taubenstraße 42/43
D - 10117 Berlin, Germany
Tel.: 030/ 206 55 1061/-1062
Fax: 030/ 206 55 1111
Website: http://www.mica2002.de/ |
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Provisional agenda
Wednesday, 11 September
- Official Opening of the Conference by Minister Dr. Christine Bergmann
and
- Mrs. Brigita Schmögnerová, Executive Secretary of the UNECE
First Panel Discussion: Demographic change and the labour market: What are
the challenges we are facing?
Thursday, 12 September
- Second Panel Discussion: Demographic change - opportunities and limitations
of intergenerational solidarity
- General debate: statements by delegations
Friday, 13 September
- Presentation of NGO Declaration
- Conference closes with adoption of a Regional Implementation Strategy
and Political Declaration by the member States
Ref: ECE/GEN/02/21