The fourth UNECE Ministerial Conference on Ageing will be held in Lisbon (Portugal) on 20-22 September 2017, on the theme of “a sustainable society for all ages: realizing the potential of living longer”.
Some 400 participants, including 35 Ministers, Deputy Ministers or State Secretaries, and high-level officials from UNECE member States as well as representatives of European and international organizations, scientists, older persons and non-governmental organizations representing them will take part in discussions.
The Conference will explore three key themes:
- Recognizing the potential of older persons
- Encouraging longer working life and ability to work
- Ensuring ageing with dignity
The exchanges will draw on insights gained through the latest review of trends and progress in countries’ implementation of the Madrid International Plan of Action and its Regional Implementation Strategy (MIPAA/RIS, adopted in 2002), in which 45 UNECE countries participated. The Synthesis Report – to be launched in Lisbon on 21 September - highlights the findings of the review and showcases a range of good practices.
On 22 September, Ministers of UNECE member States will gather for the high-level segment round-table discussions. They are expected to adopt a Ministerial Declaration, renewing the commitment to promoting active ageing and ensuring inclusive and sustainable societies for all ages.
The Conference will be preceded by a Regional NGO Forum on Ageing and a Research Forum. The NGO forum organizers aim to foster dialogue between civil society organizations dealing with ageing issues and strengthen cooperation with other stakeholders including local and national government. At the Research Forum, debates will explore the three themes of the Ministerial Conference from different perspectives, highlighting current research trends, related evidence, and future research needs.
The Ministerial Conference on Ageing is organized by UNECE in cooperation with the Government of Portugal, under the coordination of the Ministry of Labour, Solidarity, and Social Security.
For more information, please visit: http://www.unece.org/pau/ageing/ministerial_conference_2017.html
Extracts from the Synthesis Report on the implementation of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing in the UNECE region between 2012 and 2017 are available at: http://www.unece.org/DAM/pau/age/Ministerial_Conference_Lisbon/Documents/ECE-AC.30_2017_3_E.pdf
National reports on MIPAA/RIS implementation can been viewed at: http://www.unece.org/pau/mipaareports2017.html