Launch of the National Ageing Policy and Validation of the National Action Plan on Ageing by ESCAP and Ministry of Social and Family Development - Opening remarks by UN Resident Coordinator Mr. Hao Zhang

Dr. Aishath Shiham, Minister of Social and Family Development, Maldives, Excellencies, distinguished guests, colleagues, and friends,

Good morning.

It is a privilege to deliver the opening remarks at the Launch of the National Policy on Ageing, which marks an important step in the Maldives’ preparation for ensuring that no older persons is left behind.

The Maldives is launching this policy at a critical time. Population ageing, or the increase in the number and share of the older population, is a megatrend in Asia and the Pacific. It is affecting economies, societies, communities and families throughout the region. Compared to many other regions around the world, population ageing is particularly rapid in Asia and the Pacific. This gives countries limited time to develop policies that address the situation of older persons in a people-centered, holistic and forward-looking way.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The Maldives has experienced rapid economic growth and innovation, coupled with improvements in health, education and social care.

Reductions in fertility and the increase in life expectancy and overall longevity have been a major achievement, closely related to economic and social development.

As a result, the number of older people, people 60 years or over, now stands at 39 thousand, representing 7.5 per cent of the total population. By 2050, the number is projected to quintuple to 191 million, or 32.3 per cent of the total population. In about 25 years, the country will transition from an ageing to a super-aged society, making it one of the fastest ageing countries in the world.

As stated in the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, the global guiding document on population ageing, it is important to ensure that older persons everywhere are able to age with security and dignity and to continue to participate in society as citizens with full rights.

Implementing this vision and making it a reality at country level requires commitment, political will and a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach. 

I applaud the Ministry of Social and Family Development for its vision in developing this comprehensive policy that recognizes older persons as valued and productive citizens of society.

I understand that the Government of the Maldives has spent much time developing this policy in a consultative manner, discussing and developing its vision, goals and strategies across ministries and with the involvement of many different stakeholders. In your deliberations you were guided by the idea of changing the perception of ageing from a challenge to an opportunity for creating an inclusive and open society. 

The focus of the policy is on development, prevention, protection and life-long learning of older persons. You also focus on health and well-being, creating an enabling and supportive environment and providing income security for older persons. 

All these dimensions are important in creating a secure and supportive environment where older persons can live in dignity and security and enjoy the remainder of their lives and still contribute to society.

Ladies and Gentleman, 

In about 6 weeks from now, countries will convene in Doha, Qatar for the Second World Summit for Social Development. Population ageing is one of the areas that will be discussed at the Summit, and I encourage the Government of the Maldives to present its work and plans for implementing the policy. It is important that other countries hear from the Maldives and recognize that one of the fastest ageing countries in the world is paying much attention to ensuring that no older person is left behind.

I recognize the hard work of the Government of the Maldives to have developed the National Ageing Policy and to work toward a National Action Plan on Ageing. I also recognize the support from my UN colleagues, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, to have supported the Government of the Maldives for several years in developing this policy. It is important that the UN family comes together, in particular in these challenging times, and supports governments in addressing the challenges and opportunities of population ageing which ultimately will affect the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

I understand that following the launch of the National Ageing Policy today would be followed by the validation the National Action Plan on Ageing. Both instruments complement each other, and I encourage all participants to actively engage so that the policy becomes a reality on the ground.

The young people of today will be the older persons of tomorrow. We owe it to current and future generations to think boldly, to challenge assumptions, and to imagine a more resilient and inclusive future for all people in the Maldives. 

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

This milestone also comes as the Maldives celebrates 60 years of membership in the United Nations and as the international community marks the 80th anniversary of the UN—a timely reminder of our shared commitment to dignity, equality, and inclusion for all.

I wish you much success in taking the National Ageing Policy forward and in developing the Action Plan so that no older person is left behind.

Thank you.