UNFPA Supports Review of the National Strategic Plan on Ageing in Cooperation with Help Age International

On November 9th a four-day technical session began to review the I.R. Iran’s National Strategic Plan on ageing, AVA Diplomatic reports.

 The session, which was supported by UNFPA, was attended by several high-level participants, including Dr. Homayun Hashemi, the Head of the Welfare Organization, Dr. Ahmad Meydari, the Deputy of Social Affairs in the Ministry of Cooperatives, Labor and Social Welfare, Dr. Hossein Nahvinejad, Head of the Welfare Organization in Golestan Province, Dr. M. Hulki Uz, UNFPA Representative, as well as two international consultants from Help Age International – Dr. Silvia Stefanoni and Mr. Mark Robert Gorman.

UNFPA has recognized population ageing as one of the key emerging population issues facing Iran. At the request of the Government, UNFPA is now working with implementing partners to exchange international experience and good practices, and provide technical support for review and revision of the draft national strategic plan on ageing and its implementation. The two consultants from Help Age International will provide technical guidance in this process.

In his remarks, Dr. Uz said that the issue of ageing is considered by UNFPA as an opportunity, not a challenge. He continued, “In terms of population policy in Iran, the Supreme Leader has provided the necessary instructions to develop policies on population issues, including ageing, which are comprehensive, evidence-based and timely. In line with these instructions, UNFPA is ready to work with partners to utilize the experience and the capacity of the elderly.”

Dr. Meydari said that the session was a great chance for Iran to make use of international experience to turn the issue of ageing into an opportunity and said, “We aim to make use of the capacity of elderly and ensure that no one is left behind.”

According to Dr. Hashemi, “Life expectancy has increased in Iran. This can be used as an opportunity if we come up with comprehensive plans to address ageing. We predict that Iran’s population of elderly will double in the next ten years, making it even more important to develop a comprehensive road map to deal with this issue.”

Dr. Nahvinejad noted that: “UNFPA is a well-known international organization providing technical support for the Welfare Organization and we are very pleased with our cooperation on ageing issues.”

In her remarks, Dr. Silvia Stefanoni said that, “Iran has a good overview of its population dynamics and we look forward to learning from Iran’s experiences.”