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This resolution reaffirms the Political Declaration and the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (2002) as the global framework for addressing population ageing, while recognizing that awareness and implementation remain uneven across regions. It highlights the rapid growth of the global older population—particularly in developing countries—and the disproportionate impact of COVID-19, poverty, ageism and discrimination on older persons, especially older women and persons with disabilities. The resolution underscores the need to integrate ageing issues into the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, strengthen intergenerational solidarity, and recognize older persons as active contributors to sustainable development and social cohesion rather than passive recipients of care.
The General Assembly calls on Member States to adopt age-inclusive, rights-based and gender-responsive policies that combat ageism, expand social protection and pension coverage, ensure access to healthcare and long-term care, close digital divides, and promote the full, effective and meaningful participation of older persons in all spheres of life. It emphasizes improved data collection and disaggregation, stronger institutional frameworks, and inclusive policymaking involving older persons themselves. The resolution also stresses the importance of international cooperation, capacity-building and adequate financing to support national implementation of the Madrid Plan of Action, while reaffirming the central role of the Commission for Social Development and the UN system in monitoring progress and advancing the human rights of older persons.