Mr. President,

May I begin by congratulating you most warmly on your election as President of the United Nations Second World Assembly on Ageing. My delegation is fully confident that, under your able leadership, this Assembly will produce concrete results that will benefit our respected elder persons.

Mr. President,

As a global effort to address the question of ageing, the first World Assembly on Ageing was held at Vienna, Austria, in 1982 and the International Plan of Action on ageing was adopted at that Assembly. The Vienna Plan is the first international instrument on ageing and it should be recorded as a global achievement. It is aimed at strengthening the capacities of Governments and civil society to deal effectively with the ageing population and to address the development potential and dependency needs of older persons. In order to achieve these aims, 62 recommendations under seven sectoral areas were adopted for action.

Mr. President,

Myanmar society is made up of extended families comprising senior relatives such as mother, father, uncle and aunt, and every elderly person naturally receive care from their children, grandchildren and relatives. According to our religious teachings, cultural traditions and social code of conduct, Myanmar people have high regard for the older people. To them, to look after the older people is a noble and meritorious deed of which they are proud. Therefore, the affairs of older people do not constitute a serious social problem in Myanmar. Homes for the Aged were established by religious and voluntary social organizations, for those who are aged 60 and above and in need of care for various reasons. At present, a total number of 45 Homes for the Aged exist throughout the country to provide food, clothing, shelter, healthcare services and general care to the older persons so that they are able to perform their respective religious rites and lead a peaceful life. Moreover, the State provides rice, funds for food, clothes and salary of the administrators of the Homes for the Aged every year.

Mr. President,

To provide necessary services for the older persons, the Elderly Health Care Project, aimed at promoting the health of the elderly in Myanmar and increasing the accessibility of geriatric care services for them; was launched in 1993 with the support of WHO. The Elderly Health Care Project was initiated in six townships and expanded yearly. At present the Project covers 34 townships. These townships were provided with special instrument for eye, ear and throat care and dental care for the elderly. Manuals for provision of health care for the older people and pamphlets for health education were also developed and distributed to these townships.

Moreover, under the Project, basic health care training courses are conducted for doctors, nurses, local NGOs and volunteers. The clinic for the elderly is opened every Wednesday where curative care is given and basic physical exercises are demonstrated to the elderly people. Medical specialists give health education and counselling to elderly people as well as to their families. At the clinics, reading glasses are also distributed and intra occular lens are inserted free of charge for the elderly. In the townships covered by the Project, other activities such as collection of data on the elderly and recording of their health care status are also carried out in coordination and collaboration with local NGOs. The implementation of the project has enhanced the health of the elderly and the accessibility of geriatric care services for them, thereby, enabling them to lead their daily lives healthily and independently.

Mr. President,

In Myanmar, all Government servants may serve until the age of 60, which is the age for retirement. On retirement from service, they are entitled to gratuity and pension prescribed under the relevant rules and regulations. However, the State may, if necessary, continue to employ retired skilled and experienced personnel or appoint them as advisors. This enables the retirees to continue to serve the country by sharing their experiences, knowledge and skill with young generations. Apart from the government service, they may also serve in other capacities. A large number of elderly people are now serving in important positions in NGOs, voluntary organizations, companies and business firms. Through active involvement in the social, economics and religious sectors of the country, they are able to continue to lead an active life in the society. Under the Social Security Act, workers covered by the Social Security Scheme, including the elderly workers, are entitled to free medical care and cash benefits. The International Day of Older Persons, which falls on 1St October, is observed yearly in Myanmar. In observance of the International Day of Older Persons, ceremonies are held at all levels throughout the country. Various other activities such as donation of meal for one day to Homes for the Aged and launching of awareness campaigns in mass media in accordance with the motto "Towards a Society for All Ages" are carried out. At the ceremonies held in observance of the Day, cash donations are made to the older persons from Homes for the Aged and those elder persons talented in various fields are honoured.

Mr. President,

As I stated earlier, there is no serious problem in Myanmar as far as the affairs of older persons are concerned. High regard of the Myanmar Society for older people, extended family type based on mutual dependence and cultural traditions and customs favourable to old age, are important contributing factors in this regard. However, in preparation for implications of globalization, we will continue to make every effort to maintain the existing traditions, to raise public awareness of the important role older persons play in the society, to mobilize government agencies, NGOs and voluntary organizations and the community to actively participate in caring for the older person, to promote the existing health care services and to do more research on the issues of old age.

Mr. President,

In conclusion, I wish to express our firm belief that this Assembly will be able to adopt the necessary strategies and global plans to sensitize the world community to the significant role of older persons and to enhance our cooperation in efforts to improve their conditions and potential for development.

                                      Thank you