Mr. President,

Few things in life are predictable, but the ageing of humankind is one of them. We know that the number of older people is increasing rapidly. We cannot, however, yet understand the full implications of this demographic change. It will affect all spheres and sectors of society. It calls for a reshaped policy and future-oriented research. Governments must therefore mainstream ageing into all areas of policy.

Human rights and fundamental freedoms must be safeguarded for all older people, whatever country or culture they live in. In practice, however, this noble aim is not realised equally. The Finnish Constitution, therefore, includes a non-discrimination clause which states that no-one may, without acceptable cause, be treated differently from other people on the grounds of sex, age, origin, language, religion, conviction, health or disability. Protecting human rights requires courage, but it also requires patience and persistence.

Mr. President,

The cornerstones of Nordic welfare society are respect for human rights, including social rights, gender equality, democracy and welfare. Universal and equal access to social protection for all is a crucial element in ensuring appropriate and affordable social and health services and income security. In Finland, the establishment of individual and universal mandatory pension rights has been an efficient way to eradicate poverty in old age among women and men. Private services, services produced by the third sector and informal care also play an important role in supplementing public services.

The goal of current Finnish policy is to create a Society for All. The key priorities are to promote people's participation in society, equality and the potential for leading an independent life. Municipalities are responsible for providing the necessary services and for implementing the current legislation. Our ambitious aim is to prepare a local strategy on ageing in accordance with the new National Framework for High-Quality Care and Services.

Mr. President,

Most of us would like to lead an independent life for as long as possible. Our living environment should, therefore, be constructed in a manner that permits older people and persons with disabilities to live in their own homes. To make this a reality for everybody we must remove both visible and invisible barriers, such as attitudes.

New technology constitutes both an opportunity for and a barrier to the participation and inclusion of older people in society. Housing, communication and mobility are potential areas for major innovation. We must develop policies designed to prevent loss of function due to age and disability, and to help people retain their functional capacity. We have to strengthen the skills of and opportunities for older people to use information technology. Living at home often requires professional social welfare and health care services. Assistive technologies can be of great importance for older people. What is needed is recognition of the social character of technology.

In Finland, too, ageing is affecting all actors in society and all areas of policy. The proportion of older persons is rising rapidly and that of children and young people is declining. We should reinforce our family policy to keep this delicate relationship in balance. I am convinced that if we are to increase the birth rate a stronger emphasis on family issues will be needed very soon.

The implications of ageing on working life are also evident. People should go on working longer. However, this is a very difficult and delicate political issue. The Finnish National Programme for Ageing Workers aims to create positive attitudes towards staying longer in working life. All employers should also be encouraged to recruit people over 45. Discrimination based on age must not be tolerated in any circumstances.

Mr. President,

Health promotion and well-being throughout the whole course of life are goals that should be addressed by all governments. In Finland, preventive work begins with child guidance and family counselling clinics, day care units and schools. In old age, preventing accidents and promoting healthy lifestyles and safe home environments are crucial. This requires early intervention and co-operation among all the parties concerned.

Finland warmly welcomes the emphasis on mental health issues as a reason for reduced quality of life. I believe that this issue has been almost completely neglected on a political level. Older people should have the same right to mental health services and psychosocial support as other citizens have.

One of the central premises for our policy on ageing is to respect the dignity and right to self-determination of older people. Everyone must have the right to grow older in a dignified manner. Our Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to care. Care services should be appropriate and clients must be treated with respect.

Since the UN Year of Older Persons in 1995, about 200 municipal councils on ageing have been set up. Finland also has many strong and competent non-governmental organisations which play a visible role in society. NGOs reach out to people, form networks and push progress forward.

Mr. President,

I would like to congratulate the United Nations system for the valuable work in promoting the goals of a Society for all Ages. The new International Plan of Action on Ageing will guide us in the years to come. Finalnd is committed to taking an active approach towards the implementation of the Political Declaration and the International Plan of Action. We will also continue to do our best to guarantee the full integration and equal treatment of older people in society.

Thank you, Mr. President.