Excellencies,
Distinguished delegates,
Ladies and gentlemen,
A warm welcome to our 17th joint briefing series co-organized by AARP and DESA.
Let me begin by thanking our co-host, AARP for its long-standing role in advocating with Governments, businesses and NGOs to champion the interests of older persons.
Excellencies,
Longer lives and fewer births are together driving a seismic shift in the structure of the global population.
Worldwide, babies born in 2022 have a life expectancy of 72.3 years — 25 years more than those born in 1950. And the average lifespan has been increasing in almost every country.
Virtually every country in the world is experiencing an increase in the average age of the population. In most, both the size and the proportion of older persons are growing.
By 2030, the number of older persons is projected to surpass that of youth.
By 2050, the global population of older persons is projected to more than double, and the proportion of persons aged 65 years or over is expected to reach 17 per cent, almost doubling the most recent estimate of 10 per cent.
As ageing population continues to intensify around the world, policy action must be put in place urgently.
Despite significant advances, older persons continue to face unique challenges and vulnerabilities. We must acknowledge this reality and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring the dignity, well-being, and rights of the older members of our global community.
Distinguished delegates,
Ladies and gentlemen,
The Second World Summit for Social Development will be convened next year serving as a clarion call to action to advance the vision born in the Copenhagen Declaration and Programme of Action and putting people at the centre of efforts to realize the SDGs. It will be an opportunity to promote a social perspective on development and make tangible commitments towards eradicating poverty, reducing inequality, and promoting inclusive, equitable and resilient societies, while ensuring that no one is left behind.
This social summit should pave the way for a coherent, integrated and long-term policy framework that advances social progress in an inclusive, rights-based and sustainable manner.
To address issues of ageing population in low- and middle-income countries, the social perspective underscores the importance of engaging diverse stakeholders, including the private sector.
By actively involving the private sector in development efforts, particularly in addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by ageing population, we can leverage their expertise, resources, and innovative capabilities to promote inclusive growth and enhance the well-being of older persons.
Collaboration with the private sector can lead to the development of tailored solutions that respond to the evolving needs of ageing populations.
I look forward to the engaging discussions and collaborative exchanges of today’s event, as we come together to explore and navigate our ever-changing world.
I thank you.