Page 381 - 100 Reflections that Crafted Geneva International_V-Petrovsky_private special edition

Bringing the Concept to Life

every 3 will be aged 60 years or older. Although the full impact of ageing may
only be felt in the first quarter of the next century, it is an issue which policy
makers must address now, in order to assure a harmonious transition to a new
demographic equilibrium.

The commemoration of the International Year of Older Persons is a
gesture of hope to meet the challenge of increased longevity, and it cannot but
be seen as a milestone in reflection and action within the international
community aimed at promoting the policies and programmes for older persons
as part of overall people-oriented development.

The resolution of the General Assembly, which decided that 1999 be offi-
cially observed as the International Year of Older Persons, stated that there
were clear ramifications for global peace and development in the next century
because of humanity's demographic coming of age and the promise it holds for
maturing attitudes and capabilities in social, economic and spiritual undertak-
ings. Consistently supporting the fundamental rights of older persons to a full
and productive contribution in society, the UN has introduced a comprehensive
Plan of Action on Ageing as well as sponsored the celebrations of the
International Day and International Year of Older Persons - both of which we
are celebrating today.

There is no doubt that we are all enriched as a global society when all
members of humanity, women and men, young and old, are respected, valued
and can contribute to their fullest potential, because the essence of a stable
society is the harmony among all of its members. It is for this reason that the
concerns of elder persons should remain high on the agenda, when this year,
the international year dedicated to the same, draws to a close. It is my firm and
my deep belief, and one which I have always stressed, that we enter into the
new millennium with a new humanitarian agenda, one of the major claims of
which is the society for all ages. However, much remains to be done to achieve
this all-inclusive society that the United Nations is committed to promote.

What is essential today, is the translation of UN principles and plan of
action into deeds which could really contribute to fostering the inclusive
concept of “society for all”.

The vocation of Geneva as a center for such activities is particularly
relevant as we concentrate on making the objectives of this new humanitarian
agenda a reality. It is my hope that this vocation will be further reaffirmed and

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