Mr. President,

It is a great honour for me, on behalf of the delegation of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, to address the Second World Assembly on Ageing. I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the guidance and valuable contribution of the Chairman' of the Preparatory Committee to ensure an effective preparation for this world event. May I also recognize the leading role played by Spain, the host of the Conference, in the promotion of an issue which undoubtedly will be fundamental to decision-making in the coming years, and the involvement of the United Nations System in its entirety, in the preparatory process at various levels.

Mr. President,

Two decades have passed since the first World Assembly on Ageing was convened in Vienna in 1982. Yet limited progress has been made in improving the lives of the majority of older people, particularly in developing countries. Now, 20 years later, remarkable demographic changes are taking place. Globally, the number of persons aged 60 years and older is expected to quadruple over the next 50 years. The ageing of the world's population is a matter of concern for everyone- all generations in all countries, both developing and developed. This transformation in the make-up of the population will have profound consequences on every aspect of life- for individuals and for societies.
 

Although population ageing will occur world-wide, it is expected to take place at a faster pace in Asia and the Pacific. The twin processes of mortality and fertility reduction as well as improved longevity which contribute to this dramatic increase in the proportion of older persons lead to the maturing of the age structure.
 

This rapid ageing of population, though still in its early stages, have particular implications for the socio-economic development of the countries in the region, including diminishing labour force participation rate, increasing economic dependency and a growing demand for care given to a larger proportion of older persons. The challenges posed are both in developmental and in humanitarian areas. Furthermore the rights and social position of older persons, as well as the contribution that they continue to make to society is often underestimated.
 

However, the reality is different. The role of the older persons assumes special significance. In an era of rapid globalization and technological change, the older persons is a cultural icon providing continuity and stability in the country's traditions. The contributions of older persons in their dual as participants in the national development process and as beneficiaries of social progress have proved to be valuable for the country.
 

To address the challenges associated with this momentous demographic shift, the Second World Assembly on Ageing will identify new challenges and barriers to progress and call for changes in attitudes, policies and practices at all levels in all sectors, so that the enormous potential of ageing in the twenty-first century may be fulfilled. It will adopt a plan of action that considers the social, cultural, economic and demographic realities of the new century.
 

The plan would also stress the importance of integrating the evolving process of global ageing within the larger process of development and the need to ensure that ageing has a basic place in all policy agendas, both domestic and international. It is intended to become a political tool, which would allow policy makers to focus on the key priorities associated with ageing at the individual and population levels. The document would acknowledge the common features of the nature of ageing and the challenges its presents and provide specific recommendations to address those challenges, which are designed to be adapted to the circumstances in each country.

Mr. President,

Lao PDR has a total population of 5.2 million of which 5.10 percent are aged of 60 years and older. In the next 10 years, the country's population is expected to reach 6 million with the number of ageing people increase to 5.44 per cent. This demographic change can be explained by the fact that improved nutrition and health care are decreasing mortality rates while the size of younger age groups is shrinking due to falling birth rates. Progress in socio-economic development, especially advances made in women's status through education end employment, has reduced the need for large families. In addition, family planning and population control programmes have been largely implemented. These initiatives give the family the ultimate control in their desired family size.
 

As in many countries in Asia and the Pacific, family is the mainstay of support for older people in the Lao PDR. Children take care of their elderly parents once they are unable to care for themselves. The family is the most basic social unit, with much of the county's social and economic life revolving around it. In many rural communities, it is also the economic unit engaging in productive activities.
 

Binding the families together are deeply rooted cultural mores and religious practices. Filial piety, which underpins the relationship between generations, is a key attribute that reinforces the family's cohesiveness. The older person is guaranteed a very high position of respect in the family, giving and receiving support from other family members.

Older people in Lao PDR are a very diverse group with a very diverse range of abilities and varying levels of responsibility, which relate to their ability to perform labour-intensive tasks. Usually as people age, their level of productivity for their families diminishes and they require more and more care due to poor health. Younger old people (between 55 and 65 years old) lead very productive lives and contribute fully to their families' income and labour pool.
 

Problems among the ageing population are less frequent due to culture and tradition, which mostly ensure that the family, community and government take care of older persons. However, while the proportion of older people is growing, the number of caregivers within families is declining. The urbanization of societies and the larger number of women entering the labour force are eroding the traditional support system of the extended family for the older family members.

Thus, making it necessary for the government to consider appropriate mean to solve future problems concerning older persons. While poverty is the greatest obstacle to a secure old age, the government has recognised that needs and opportunities differ greatly between urban and rural areas. Therefore, sound policies are adopted and social welfare programmes implemented to address issues relating to ageing and older persons. Participation of older people in planning for economic and social development are encouraged to ensure that their needs and aspirations are taken into account and their skills and experience utilized.

Mr. President,

Perhaps the greatest challenge in responding to the ageing of populations in developing countries is to ensure that those of us alive today who have made the greatest contribution to society - older people - are not left behind in the rush to a new, more individualistic set of values.

                                                Thank You for your attention.