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Highlights and Happenings
First draft resolution on recommendations adopted by the Open-ended Working Group on Ageing
The General Assembly Open-ended Working Group on Ageing adopted (without a vote) the draft decision 14/1 “Recommendations regarding the identification of possible gaps in the protection of the human rights of older persons and how best to address them.” The Working Group discussed and agreed to include the Chair’s transmission of decision 14/1 to the President of the General Assembly in the report of the session A/AC.278/2024/2. The session included three interactive panel discussions on accessibility, infrastructure and habitat (transport, housing and access); participation in public life and decision-making processes; as well as on the normative content of social inclusion, and the right to health and access to health services. The United Nations Inter-Agency Group on Ageing (IAGA) presented a formal statement at the general discussions, following its recent formalization. The 14th session was held from 20 to 22 and on 24 May 2024 in New York. For more information, please visit this link.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day: Spotlight on Older Persons in Emergencies (15 June 2024)
The 2024 World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) highlighted the critical need to protect and support older persons during crises. Emergencies, whether natural disasters, pandemics, or conflicts, disproportionately impact older persons. These events often exacerbate existing vulnerabilities, making it essential to address their needs in emergency planning and response. Older persons may face mobility issues, chronic health conditions, or social isolation, making it difficult for them to access aid, evacuate safely, or receive timely medical care as well as support services. Emergencies can increase the risk of elder abuse, whether physical, emotional, financial, or neglect. The event was organized by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA) in partnership with DESA programme on ageing. For more information, please visit this link. In Geneva, WEAAD 2024 event, organized by INPEA, WHO and DESA programme on ageing, focused on progress towards addressing the priorities in Tackling abuse of older people - Five priorities for the United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030). More information about the event can be found here.
Stakeholder Group on Ageing and the 2024 High-Level Political Forum
The theme of the 2024 High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) was aimed at reinforcing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and eradicating poverty in times of multiple crises: the effective delivery of sustainable, resilient and innovative solutions. The Stakeholder Group on Ageing in partnership with DESA programme on ageing organized a side event “Bridging Intergenerational Divides. Powerful Networks of Change for the SDGs.” For more information, please visit this link. DESA programme on ageing launched an issue brief entitled “Ageing-related Policies and Priorities in VNRs (2016-2023): An Update.” For more information, click here.
UNITAR: Virtual Roundtable Series “Mainstreaming Knowledge on Ageing”
UNITAR commenced its 3rd year of virtual roundtable series “Mainstreaming Knowledge on ageing” and held its first event out of five on 3 May 2024. The event focused on “The impact of including older persons in the implementation of multilateral agreements." Including the perspective and needs of older persons in multilateral agreements and policies is crucial for promoting and protecting their human rights. It acknowledges their agency and autonomy, allowing them to actively engage in shaping the policies that affect their lives. For more information, click here. For previous roundtables with a focus on older persons, click here.
Mark Your Calendars
UNIDOP 2024 theme on "Ageing with Dignity: The Importance of Strengthening Care and Support Systems for Older Persons Worldwide."
The 2024 commemoration of the United Nations International Day of Older Persons will be held on 7 October 2024 at the UN headquarters from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (ET), focusing on the theme “Ageing with Dignity: The Importance of Strengthening Care and Support Systems for Older Persons Worldwide.” Organized by DESA programme on ageing in partnership with the NGO Committee on Ageing in New York, the event will feature an expert panel discussion exploring policies, legislation, and practices that enhance care and support systems for older persons, as well as an interactive dialogue with a caregiver. Additional highlights will include the launch of a UN Postal Administration Commemorative Stamp honoring the International Day of Older Persons, and the premiere of the first clip from 'Caregiving,' a documentary about America's 50 million unpaid family caregivers. A production of Lea Pictures and PBS/WETA Washington, D.C., in association with Ark Media, 'Caregiving' will examine the multifaceted aspects of caregiving. Produced by actor and filmmaker Bradley Cooper, this year's UNIDOP commemoration will mark the debut of the first clip to be released ahead of the full documentary launch in Spring 2025. For more information and to register, please visit this site.
Stay Informed
2024 Revision of World Population Prospects: Now issued with Comprehensive Population Estimates and Projections
The 2024 Revision of World Population Prospects is the twenty-eighth edition of official United Nations population estimates and projections that have been prepared by the Population Division of DESA. It presents population estimates from 1950 to the present year for 237 countries or areas, underpinned by analyses of historical demographic trends. This latest assessment considers the results of 1,910 national population censuses conducted between 1950 and 2023, as well as information from vital registration systems and from 3,189 nationally representative sample surveys. The 2024 revision also presents population projections to the year 2100 that reflect a range of plausible outcomes at the global, regional and national levels. For more information, visit this link. To access key messages, summary of results and other related publications, click here.
World Population Ageing 2023: Unlocking the Potential of the Demographic Dividend in LDCs
DESA Population Division issued the World Population Ageing 2023, which examines the potential of LDCs to benefit from this demographic dividend. Through an analysis of demographic, social, economic and health-related indicators, as well as associated policies and investments. The report assesses the challenges and opportunities of translating favorable demographic trends into economic and developmental gains. A comparative study of LDCs in the Asia-Pacific region and in Africa, with a focus on Angola, Bangladesh and Rwanda, provides insights into the challenges and opportunities that arise at various stages of the demographic transition. The report concludes by summarizing its key findings and offering policy guidance to help countries maximize the potential benefits of the demographic dividend. For more information, visit this link.
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