Welcome to the United Nations
The theme of the 2019 UN International Day of Older Persons “The Journey to Age Equality” focuses on pathways of coping with existing and preventing future old age inequality.
It is aligned with:
*The rights based 2030 agenda. Goal 10, sets to reduce inequality within and among countries and aims to “ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome,” including through measures to eliminate discrimination, and to “empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.”
*The human centered “Work for a brighter future” ILO agenda to “deliver economic security, equal opportunity and social justice”.
Disparities in old age reflect accumulated disadvantage, due to location, gender, socio‐economic status and other factors such as health and income outcomes. Trends of ageing and economic inequality, furthermore, develop and interact across generations, making rapid population ageing exacerbate older age inequalities. Between 2015 and 2030, the number of people aged 60 and over is expected to increase from 901 million to 1.4 billion. Inequality does not only negatively impact societal participation, it does also limit economic growth and strain social cohesion.
The 2019 theme will explore levers to cope with demographic and other societal and structural change and to change the narrative of “old Age”. Identified sub themes are: the care sector, as contributor of decent work; lifelong learning and proactive and adaptive labour policies; universal health coverage and other social protective measures.
UNIDOP Commemoration at UN Headquarters in New York
The event is co-organized by the NGO Committee on Ageing, New York and UNDESA Programme on Ageing, and co-sponsored the Permanent Mission of Argentina to the United Nations, in collaboration with the Group of Friends of Older Persons. The event will bring participants from NGOs, Member States, academia and civil society.
The commemorative event will be held on Thursday, 10 October 2019 from 10 am to 1 pm in ECOSOC Chamber, UNHQ.
For more information, please contact ageing@un.org @UN4Ageing @UNDESASocial #UNIDOP2019
Learn more about the 2019 International Day of Older Persons.