The United Nations is today urging countries to improve older persons\u2019 accessibility to urban infrastructure, facilities and services as two phenomena \u2013 rapid urbanization and ageing populations \u2013 are combining to dramatically change the face the world\u2019s cities in the coming decades.<\/p>\n
\u201cOlder persons are an enormous asset to society and make a significant contribution to global development\u201d United Nations Secretary-General<\/a> Ban Ki-moon said in his message<\/a>marking the 25th anniversary of the International Day of Older Persons<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cIn implementing the newly adopted 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development<\/a>, we must account for the demographic changes of the next 15 years. These will have a direct bearing on the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals<\/a>,\u201d said the UN chief.<\/p>\n In a separate statement<\/a>\u201d on the Day, Rosa Kornfeld-Matte said:<\/p>\n \u201cWe need to re-think our cities. Over 900 million older persons will be living in cities across the world by 2050, but our cities are not fit for this global demographic revolution.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n Indeed, she said the existing barriers in public spaces and buildings, as well as the lack of safe, affordable, accessible and barrier-free housing and transportation obstruct older persons from fully enjoying their rights and from living in dignity and safety in their communities.<\/p>\n \u201cUrban spaces and design often exacerbate segregation and the exclusion of older persons,\u201d the expert said, adding that this becomes increasingly visible during recovery after disasters and emergency situations in the face of climate change.<\/p>\n Echoing the Secretary-General\u2019s call to ensure such matters are addressed during implementation of the SDGs, Ms. Kornfeld-Matte urged States to innovate housing, transportation and buildings programmes.<\/p>\n \u201cFor cities and environments to be age-friendly, the effective implementation of comprehensive and inter-sectorial policies and planning is required. Regulatory procedures, building codes and mortgage regulations need to take into account the concerns of older persons and reflect their diversity,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n For his part, the Secretary-General said that making cities inclusive of older persons means generating opportunities for their economic and social participation in accessible and safe environments. It also means providing affordable housing as well as the health and social services needed to support ageing in place.\u201d<\/p>\n According to both messages, the Third UN Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development(Habitat III)<\/a>,\u201d which will be held in Quito, Ecuador in October 2016, will offer an opportunity to advance States\u2019 committed efforts in this regard.<\/p>\n