Today, there are almost 700 million people over 60. This figure will rise to 2 billion by 2050, representing over 20% of the world's population.
The increase in the number of elderly people will affect developing countries in particular, with Asia the region with the highest number of elderly people, and Africa the fastest-growing.
Demographic composition plays an important role in sustainable development, and is one of the factors that will determine the major challenges facing the world in the 21st century. With this in mind, and in keeping with the Secretary General's guiding principle of "leaving no one behind", we need to pay greater attention to the specific needs of the elderly.
The participation of older people in the defence of human rights
To mark the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Day of Older Persons reaffirms its commitment to promoting the full and equal enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms by older people.
That's why this year's theme, "Celebrating Older Human Rights Champions", aims to encourage the participation of older people in the defense of human rights, while recognizing those who, born at the time of the Declaration's adoption in 1948, have actively contributed to its promotion.
This theme includes :
- Promote the rights enshrined in the Declaration, particularly those that are part of the daily life of older people;
- Raise the profile of older people as full members of society, actively involved in defending human rights in many areas, not just those that affect them personally;
- Reflect on the progress and difficulties encountered in the protection and implementation of their fundamental rights and freedoms;
- Continue to engage and mobilize an ever-wider audience around the world to promote these rights.