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SG/SM/6068

RIGHT OF OLDER PERSONS TO PRODUCTIVE LIFE STRESSED BY SECRETARY-GENERAL IN MESSAGE FOR INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR OLDER PERSONS

27 September 1996


Press Release
SG/SM/6068


RIGHT OF OLDER PERSONS TO PRODUCTIVE LIFE STRESSED BY SECRETARY-GENERAL IN MESSAGE FOR INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR OLDER PERSONS

19960927 Following is the text of Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali's message on the occasion of the International Day for Older Persons, 1 October:

I am delighted to send my best wishes to all those participating in the 1996 International Day for Older Persons.

Today, the political and intellectual contribution to society of older persons is demonstrated every day and on every continent. But for a growing number of people, poverty and discrimination all too often render participation and an active older age impossible. All too often, older persons are excluded, ignored and forgotten.

It is for this reason that the United Nations has consistently supported the fundamental right of older persons to a productive and economically secure life. To this end, we have introduced a comprehensive Plan of Action on Ageing, which recommends measures to be taken by Member States in all relevant fields: education, employment, the environment, health and social welfare. As we look forward to celebrating the International Year of Older Persons in 1999, the United Nations continues to promote the goals laid down in this plan with a view to ensuring the fullest possible participation of older persons in society for the benefit of all.

The landmark United Nations conferences held since 1990 have also done much to contribute to this goal.

The Plan of Action adopted at the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development, for example, urged governments to develop social security systems that ensure greater intergenerational and intragenerational equity and solidarity.

Similarly, the 1995 World Summit for Social Development highlighted a range of measures, including access to social security, designed to promote independence, participation and dignity among older persons.

These conferences have placed issues of concern to older persons in the context of the basic economic and social challenges facing nations and societies. They have served to advance overall development objectives which are critical in addressing older persons' concerns.

Indeed, little can be achieved while the scourge of absolute poverty remains. Poverty has a disproportionate and debilitating impact on older persons throughout the developed and developing worlds. It is often the cause of isolation, ill-health and even premature death. In this International Year

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for the Eradication of Poverty, I urge all Member States to renew the commitments made at the World Summit for Social Development and to place poverty eradication firmly at the top of the international agenda.

The challenge today is to make further progress towards meeting the goal of a truly inclusive society for all. But the inclusive society cannot happen overnight. It will require further concrete and concerted action from Member States. For our part, the United Nations has worked hard to ensure that the needs and interests of older persons are at the forefront of international debate and action. We stand ready to provide further leadership and assistance in this vital process.

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For information media. Not an official record.