UN urges world to reject ageism on International Day of Older Persons
Commemorative Event, Thursday, 6 October 2016

The United Nations will mark the 26th International Day of Older Persons (UNIDOP) with a commemorative event focusing on the theme “Take a Stand against Ageism,” on 6 October 2016. The Day is observed every year on 1 October.

The global population of older people is expected to rise from just over 900 million in 2015 to 1.4 billion by 2030 and 2.1 billion by 2050, when there will be roughly the same number of older persons and children under 15 years of age. UNIDOP continues to call on everyone to reject all forms of ageism and work to enable older persons to realize their potential, strengthening efforts to build a life of dignity and human rights for all.

The commemorative event, organized by the NGO Committee on Ageing in New York in partnership with the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, and sponsored by the Permanent Mission of Argentina, will feature introductory remarks and a panel discussion.

What:
Commemoration of International Day of Older Persons

Who:

  • Remarks by Ambassador Peter Thomson, President of the seventy-first session of the General Assembly
  • Remarks by Ambassador Martin Garcia Moritan, Permanent Representative of the Mission of Argentina
  • Keynote address by Ms. Ashton Applewhite, author of “This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto against Ageism”

Panel Discussion to include:

  • Ambassador Burhan Gafoor, Permanent Representative of Singapore
  • Dr. David Nabarro, UN Special Adviser on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
  • Ms. Alana Officer, Senior Health Adviser at the Department of Ageing and Life Course at the World Health Organization
  • Mr. Necodimus Chipfupa, Regional Director for HelpAge International Regional in Southern Africa

Closing remarks by Ambassador Mateo Estremé, Deputy Permanent Representative of Argentina and Chair of the General Assembly`s Open-ended Working Group on Ageing

When: Thursday, 6 October 2016, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. EST

Where: Economic and Social Council Chamber, UN Headquarters, New York or live through http://webtv.un.org

For more information on UNIDOP, please visit: http://bit.ly/2016UNIDOP. For Social Media, please use hashtags, #UNIDPO #60PLUS and follow @UN4Ageing, @UNDESA and @GlobalGoalsUN.

Available for interviews:

  • Dr. Nata Menabde, Executive Director, World Health Organization Office in New York
  • Ms. Ashton Applewhite, author of “This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto against Ageism”

Media contacts
– Ms. Devi Palanivelu, UN Department of Public Information, T: 212-963-1104, E: palanivelu@un.org
– Ms. Melanie Prudhomme, UN Department of Public Information, T: 917-367-3541, E: prudhommem@un.org