The International Day of Older Persons

2016 International Day of Older Persons was celebrated on Saturday 01 October with theme of “Take Stand against Ageism”. Two events were organized by relevant stakeholders in collaboration with UNFPA, AVA Diplomatic reports.

The first ceremony was held in the University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences with presences of approximately 150 guests including high officials, experts from the Ministry of Health and Education (MOHME), Sate Welfare Organization, City Council of Tehran, and several NGOs, as well as a large number of older persons.

In the opening ceremony, Dr. Khorshid, the University Chancellor elaborated on the ageing trend in Iran, and emphasized on the importance of adequate planning to effectively respond to the needs of the growing aged population. Dr. Khorshid highlighted the socio-cultural and religious values mandating Iranians to create an environment for older people to live with dignity and free of any discrimination.

During the ceremony, Resident Coordinator a.i. & UNICEF Representative in I.R. of Iran, Mr. Will Parks read the statement of the United National Secretary General. This was Mr. Mohammed Abdel-Ahad read the statement of the UNFPA Executive Director, Dr. Babatunde Ostimehin and highlighted UNFPA’s support to Government’s efforts to address the issue of population ageing and means to harness the demographic dividend.

In the afternoon of 01 October 2016, the Secretariat of National Council of the Elderly in collaboration with the Ministry of Cooperatives, Labor and Social Welfare, State Welfare Organization and UNFPA celebrated the International Day of Older Persons in an event with the participation of more than 800 senior citizens.

Dr. F. Barati Sedeh, Head of the Secretariat of National Council of the Elderly, in his welcoming speech elaborated on the achievements of the Government and positive steps, especially the State Welfare Organization for allocation of a budget line for the needs of older people that was approved by the Management and Planning Organization. He stated that the government will continue to advocate for healthy and active ageing in collaboration with international agencies.

Dr. A. Mohseni Bandpey, Deputy Minister and Head of State Welfare Organization acknowledged the progress in the area of health for older people resulting in significant increase in life expectancy of female elderly to 80. He also highlighted   the successful collaboration with the Deputy of Women Affairs in conducting life skills training and workshop for more than 45,000 women at older ages.

During the afternoon event Mr. M. Abdel-Ahad, UNFPA Officer-in-Charge, delivered the Statement of the UNFPA Executive Director, and emphasized on the fact that “the pace and level of population ageing in developing countries like Iran is significantly faster than other countries. Therefore he explained the fact that substantial investment in human capital is vital to reap the first demographic dividend in Iran, and this can be the most effective response to population ageing and the needs of older people. A second demographic dividend is possible only if people in the working age save and invest for retirement and, thereby transform the initial demographic bonus into assets and sustainable development.

H.E. Prof. A. Rabiee, Minister of Cooperatives, Labor and Social Welfare delivered the statement of President on the occasion of the International Day of Older Persons. H.E. President Rouhani had stated: “The Government is trying to provide all Iranians and the elderly with a good society that is dynamic and hope generating for all age groups. The issue of population ageing is a challenge and, at the same time, an opportunity for countries around the world and is posing the question of how much governments and societies are ready to face this phenomenon”.

H.E. Prof A. Rabiee on behalf of the President stressed on sustainable employment and correct policies for an efficient retirement system. Quoting H.E. President Rouhani: “this means that the future of our older persons is tied to the future of Iran’s economic development”. Furthermore Prof. Rabiee announced that in near future, and in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice, a bill of protection of older people will be prepared to end discrimination against older people and ageism.

In both ceremonies around 50 senior citizens were commemorated for their effective social contributions.