Today on the International Day of Older Persons, UNFPA joins the worldwide celebration of longevity and acknowledges the contributions of older persons to their families, communities and societies.

Now is the time to address the challenges and opportunities of ageing and empower older persons, as the theme of this year’s observance suggests.

On this occasion, we are pleased to announce our enhanced partnership with HelpAge International— a global network dedicated to a world in which all older people fulfil their potential to lead healthy, dignified and secure lives.

To realise this vision, we will work together with other partners to support and promote the rights of older people, their inclusion in development, their contributions to society, and their access to social and health services.

UNFPA and HelpAge International will encourage Governments to enact anti-discriminatory legislation relating to older people, promote the analysis and disaggregation of data by age and sex, and encourage families and communities to support older people.

We must join hands to build a society for all ages as leaders agreed at the Second World Assembly on Ageing. While a lot has been accomplished during the past five years, there is much more that can be done.

On this International Day of Older Persons, UNFPA urges all countries to recognize the great potential that the elderly offer and to tap into their wisdom, strength, courage and resourcefulness. By instituting policies and programmes that support the well-being of persons of all ages, governments, civil society and the private sector can create a society for all.