Skip to content

UN Marks International Day of Older Persons, Calls for Respect and Recognition

The UN calls for dignity and opportunities for the world's growing older population. With numbers surging, it's time to recognize their influence and needs.

In this picture there are women standing and smiling, behind these women we can see white object on...
In this picture there are women standing and smiling, behind these women we can see white object on the floor and we can see frame on the stand. In the background of the image we can see wall.

UN Marks International Day of Older Persons, Calls for Respect and Recognition

The United Nations marked the International Day of Older Persons on Wednesday, with Secretary-General António Guterres urging respect for the rights of older persons and recognition of their contributions. The event, held at UN Headquarters, highlighted the growing global population of older adults and the need for a shift in societal perspective.

The number of people aged 60 or over has surged to 1.2 billion worldwide in the past three decades, more than double the figure from 1990. This number is projected to reach 2.1 billion by 2050, underscoring the importance of the UN's focus on this demographic. Jeanette Takamura, Dean Emerita of Columbia University School of Social Work, stressed the urgency of multigenerational outreach and inclusion to create an age-inclusive global social movement.

Guterres called for upholding the dignity and human rights of older persons, ensuring their security, and providing access to opportunities. Arjanita Elezaj, a key organiser of the event, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that dignity, security, and access to opportunities are fundamental rights for older individuals.

The UN's commemoration of the International Day of Older Persons served as a reminder of the growing influence and needs of the older population. With the European Parliament also strengthening its cooperation with the Belarusian Democratic Forces, the global community is increasingly recognizing the importance of addressing the rights and needs of older persons.

Read also:

Latest