[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″ custom_margin=”-41px|||||” custom_padding=”33px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”-19px|auto||auto||” custom_padding=”6px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.14.8″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation=”justified” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
11 April 2022<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Excellencies,<\/p>\n Distinguished delegates,<\/p>\n I thank Her Excellency, Maria del Carmen Squeff, Permanent Representative of Argentina and Chair of the Open-ended Working Group on Ageing, for the invitation to address the opening of its 12th session.<\/p>\n The mandate of this working group addresses the key factors necessary for protecting the human rights of all older persons. This session is focused on preserving their economic security and harnessing their contribution to sustainable development.<\/p>\n Today, we are plagued by many challenges that have undermined our efforts to ensure the full respect, protection and promotion of human rights, and derailed us from the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. These challenges are growing exponentially, and their detrimental effects are being felt acutely by our most vulnerable populations, especially older persons.<\/p>\n Excellencies,<\/p>\n The number of older persons aged 65 and over is projected to double to 1.5 billion in 2050. While longevity is a manifestation of the progress achieved in human development and health over the last decades, the demographic shift has also shed light on the lack of adequate protection mechanisms to address the situation of older persons.<\/p>\n Therefore, as we endeavor to rebuild sustainably from the pandemic, and strengthen economic resilience, we must prioritize protecting and providing for older persons. To that end, we must use and strengthen the existing international frameworks and multilateral instruments at our disposal.<\/p>\n Additionally, recovering better requires us to tap into the wisdom and experience of the elderly. Older persons represent a diverse group that are key development actors and partners. We need to unleash their potential, harness their knowledge, and make use of their invaluable contributions to our societies.<\/p>\n Excellencies,<\/p>\n The COVID-19 crisis widened many of the gaps in protection suffered by older persons. As a result, they continue to endure challenges such as discrimination, lack of social protection, limited access to health services, limited economic opportunities, inadequate pensions, and human rights abuses.<\/p>\n Moreover, the current international legal framework remains fragmented and incomplete to address specific protection gaps for older persons to enjoy their human rights.<\/p>\n The challenges are further compounded by the increasing risks of poverty and economic insecurity at an older age. Not only is protecting the rights and well-being of older persons a moral obligation. It is a practical necessity, rooted in enlightened self-interest, and in the knowledge that we all age.<\/p>\n Excellencies,<\/p>\n People are living longer lives. Between 2020 and 2050, the number of older persons is projected to more than double. As our decade of action now shifts to a decade of recovery, we must lay the foundation for a more resilient, compassionate future.<\/p>\n In this regard, an ageing population presents important opportunities.<\/p>\n An opportunity to refocus on strengthening human rights for the elderly.<\/p>\n An opportunity to ensure that older persons meaningfully and effectively participate in their communities.<\/p>\n And an opportunity to revitalize our commitment to the 2030 Agenda, with stronger protections for the elderly \u2013 including protection from poverty and ageism.<\/p>\n Excellencies,<\/p>\n My Presidency of hope has promised to deliver for people by putting the rights of all at the core. This is the only way we can build prosperous and resilient economies.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s foster healthy ageing and improve the lives of older people and their families and communities. In accordance with the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Decade of Healthy Ageing, let\u2019s renew our focus on the four action areas:<\/p>\n I also call on Member States to support the work of the Open-ended Working Group by strengthening the protection of the human rights of older persons, including by considering the feasibility of further instruments and measures.<\/p>\n We should all be able to aspire to a life of dignity, free from fear and want in our old age. This must never be a privilege, but a common right for us all.<\/p>\n I thank you.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" 12th session of the Open-ended Working Group on Ageing for the purpose of strengthening the protection of the human rights of older persons<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":361,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":" Excellencies, colleagues,<\/p> I welcome you all to our second meeting and our first interaction following the resumed part of the session.<\/p> Before I begin, I would like to recognize the loss of our dear friend and esteemed colleague, Ms. Gail Farngalo.<\/p> A Liberian national, Gail was my Team Leader for Human Rights and was active on gender during both the 75th<\/sup> and 76th<\/sup> sessions. She leaves behind a legacy of achievements and a groundswell of respect and affection from across the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ and diplomatic communities. Her presence is certainly felt here today.<\/p> Colleagues,<\/p> When I took on this Presidency of Hope, I pledged to make gender equality a priority area for the 76th<\/sup> session. I continue to look to the board for its wisdom and expertise, as I endeavour to fulfil that pledge.<\/p> In this regard, I have already benefited from the board\u2019s advice, from when we met on October 28th<\/sup> last year.<\/p> Acting on that advice, I committed to ensuring that all my five rays of hope, and all my major initiatives, are approached with a gender lens.<\/p> I made sure that the composition of my office is gender-balanced.<\/p> I have committed to participating only in panels that have equal gender representation.<\/p> Throughout my official interactions and travels, I have endeavoured to meet with women, including heads of states and governments, scientists, civil society representatives, and youth.<\/p> And I am proud to inform you that five young women have been recruited into the Fellowship for HOPE<\/em> that my office recently launched. The Fellowship as you are well aware is targeted at benefiting young diplomats from underrepresented countries, pursuing careers in diplomacy or public service.<\/p> Colleagues,<\/p> While recognizing that we have a long way to go in the battle for gender-equality, I am proud of what my team has been able to accomplish within the past few months.<\/p> Our work continues.<\/p> We will continue to raise our voices on issues disproportionately impacting women, such as domestic violence and work place harassment. We will continue to push the importance of gender-equal work spaces.<\/p> And we will continue to find new paths to empower young women with ambitious professional aspirations.<\/p> Now is not the time to rest on our laurels.<\/p> With the board\u2019s guidance and support, we must use the many opportunities over the coming months to further empower women and girls, and dismantle discriminatory practices against them.<\/p> There are several upcoming events that will provide us such opportunities. I look forward to the board\u2019s suggestions on how we can best utilize them.<\/p> As an example, the International Day of Women and Girls in science is fast approaching. We must recognize that women\u2019s contributions in science and technology have helped us cure diseases; discover new horizons in space; and develop technologies that have vastly improved our quality of life.<\/p> As we celebrate their achievements, we must also open pathways for young girls who aspire to follow in the footsteps of pioneers in science and technology.<\/p> Colleagues,<\/p> Let us also reflect that the theme chosen by the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women for this year is on \u201cachieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls in the context of climate change, environmental and disaster risk reduction policies and programmes\u201d.<\/p> As we strive to meet our obligations to the planet, let us recognize the important work done by women and girls at the forefront of the climate crisis, and whose humanitarian work in disaster-stricken areas has helped save lives and rebuild communities. We owe it to them to not only celebrate their work but to support them.<\/p> Colleagues,<\/p> Our programme of work for the months ahead has been circulated to members prior to the meeting, for consideration and feedback. Please note that the events we have planned are not exhaustive. I welcome further suggestions from the board on the content and format of future events and activities.<\/p> Colleagues,<\/p> We have made much progress within a short while. And with the board\u2019s support and guidance, I am sure that we can keep up this strong momentum.<\/p> I look forward to working alongside all of you to achieve our vision of a gender-equal world.<\/p> Thank you.<\/p>","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[111],"tags":[550,556,553],"committee-meeting":[],"class_list":["post-263449","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-speeches","tag-ga","tag-pga","tag-shahid","et-doesnt-have-format-content","et_post_format-et-post-format-standard"],"yoast_head":"\n\n