Mr. President, Heads of State and Government, Vice-Presidents, Ministers, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen 
 

Mr. President,

First of all, may I take this opportunity - personally and on behalf of my Government - to congratulate you on your election, to guide the work of this Assembly. My Government hopes that your leadership and orientation will lead us to a very successful conclusion. 
 

I would like to express my deep gratitude to the Government and People of Spain for the excellent arrangements and the warm hospitality accorded to all delegations. The constructive openminded attitude and the brilliant leadership of the Spanish delegation greatly contributed to the achievements during the New York negotiations. 
 

Mr. President,

We assisted, with particular interest, the statement delivered by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Venezuela, on behalf of the G 77 and China, which we totally subscribe. 
 
 

Mr. President,

Ageing is a biological reality we are unable to avoid. It's completely impossible to separate it from life from which it is an important component. 

Considering the huge influences on our lives, we feel it's essential for us to explore together the medium and long-term consequences of demographical explosion, accelerated urbanisation and demographic ageing. 
 

This Assembly follows the I World Assembly on Ageing, realised in Vienna (1982) and the important events registered in 1999, celebrated as the International Year of Older Persons. 
 

I also would like to pay special tribute to the Ministerial Conference of the African Unity Organisation, convened in Nairobi, December 2000. The Nairobi Conference came out with a consensual african position on the main issues. 
 

Mr. President,

Very timely the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted resolution 54/262 (25 May 2000) deciding to mark the 20th anniversary of the World Assembly on Ageing, organising a II World Assembly on the same issues. 
 

Twenty years later there's an impending need to evaluate achievements, identify obstacles and create a new consensual and durable basis for the future. It is our strong believe that the Vienna Plan of Action assumed a major role in the internalisation in different countries, using planification instruments and frequently changing national Constitutions. 

However, the demographical, economical and technological changes that occurred underline the need to build upon previous commitments, adopting a new Plan of Action. 
 

Mr. President,

The promotion and protection of fundamental human rights, including the right to access development, are undispendable in the construction of a society for all. It is also important to recognise the need for an effective and comprehensive dialogue between generations. 
 

We are witnessing the silent arrival of unprecedented demographic changes in the history of humanity. 
By the year of 2050 the number of individuals aged over 60 will exceed the number of individuals aged fewer than 15. In 2050 the number of individuals aged over 60 will represent 21 % of the global world population, against only 8% in 1950. 

The observation of the existing models lead us to the conclusion that the idea of a society for all should not only contemplate policies but also identify clear objectives and final goals in order to establish a compromise with the future. 
 

Mr. President,

In addition to being a very young nation (independent for 26 years) Cabo Verde is also a very small and insular country, formed by 10 islands with a total extension of 4.OOOkm2. My country is poor, desertic and deprived of natural resources. 
In consequence of this reality we face enormous challenges in view to achieve sustainable development. 
 

Despite our efforts, a third of our population lives in poverty. Nowadays one of the main goals of my Government is to lead our population to development. 
 

The absolute number of older people is increasing progressively in our society, but its growth is slower than the group aged between 15 and 60. In Cabo Verde 6% of the population is aged over 60 and the difference between genders is only 1 % in favour of women. Life expectance is 69-70. 
 

Employees from the public and private sector retire at the age of 65. Both civil society - through its organisations - and the State provide programs for a small percentage of older people who are excluded from the retirement system. I would like to refer day care services, adequate health care and the provision of other facilities. 
 

A serious reflection on matters as our Social Security System, the increase of ,health costs and the intergenerational relationship, among others, represent a major challenge. 
 

Mr. President,

In Cabo Verde we trust that the Madrid Assembly comes out with a planetarian consensus concerning ageing and a new United Nations Plan of Action implementable by Member States. 
 

In conclusion, allow me to express the capeverdian Government's determination not to spare efforts in establishing a society without exclusions and increased solidarity. 
 

We must keep in mind the strength that gathered our delegations around common objectives and use it as inspiration to the achievement of the goals settled. 

Thank you very much.