Activities of 1999: selected examples

The International Year of Older Persons organized conferences, seminars, research studies, and initiatives that explored and promoted the theme "A society for all ages". Promotional events were also abundant, including cultural, educational, art and social activities, as well as the launching of commemorative stamps, posters, and calendars with the Year's logo. In particular, the Department of Public Information of the United Nations Secretariat implemented a multimedia information campaign to publicize the Year, working closely with the Department of Economic and Social Affairs and the non-governmental Committee on Ageing of the Conference of Non-governmental Organizations in Consultative Relationship with the United Nations (CONGO). The campaign spearheaded the launch of the Year at United Nations Headquarters on 1 October 1998 and coordinated a special event on 30 September 1999. The special event occurred against the background of exhibits in the General Assembly Visitor's Lobby, including one by older artists, coordinated by the Elizabeth Foundation for the Arts. Altogether, the activities have brought to the Year a global relevance that will sustain and move "A society for all ages" beyond 1999 and into the twenty-first century.