CCGM participates in UNECE

Monaco’s Gerontological Coordination Centre (CCGM) participates in United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Ministerial Conference in Rome on 16 and 17 June 2022

Written by: Dr Pascale PORASSO, a geriatric doctor, and Mr Philippe MIGLIASSO, a senior healthcare executive and administrator at the Monaco Gerontological Coordination Centre

The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Ministerial Conference on Ageing was held on 16 and 17 June 2022 in Rome, Italy. It was attended by delegations from 44 member states.

The aim of this meeting was to review progress in the 20 years since the adoption of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing in the UNECE region.

The decade 2021–2030 has been defined as the “decade for healthy ageing”, a world in which people can live longer healthy lives. This is a true challenge for our societies, which are confronting this kind of demographic change for the first time.

The twenty-first century risks becoming the century of ageing. Increased life expectancy will affect not just the richest countries, but the entire planet. In 2050, one in four people will be aged over 60. This demographic phenomenon is leading to a longevity shock, which means that our societies must promote the capacities of older people and ensure that they are included in our increasingly technological societies.

Within this broad context, there is a need to develop international commitments to ensure that this issue is part of the political, social and economic landscape of each country, drawing on past experience and, in particular, the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Three key objectives have therefore been identified as priority areas for action:

Promoting active and healthy ageing throughout life:

• Facilitating decision-making by elderly people;
• Combating ageism, violence and mistreatment;
• Preventing the risk of isolation as societies make their digital transition.

Ensuring access to long-term care:

• Preparing for an increase in needs;
• Ensuring government recognition of formal and informal carers;
• Investing in and improving long-term care in institutions or at home;
• Improving conditions for formal carers.

Mainstreaming ageing:

• Coordinating ageing-related policies;
• Enhancing age- and gender-sensitive research;
• Ensuring full enjoyment of human rights.

The 2022 ROME MINISTERIAL DECLARATION issued following this meeting, while not binding on states, was drafted to enable the situation to be monitored over the coming years.

“A sustainable world for all ages: joining forces for solidarity and equal opportunities throughout life” [1]

[1] Economic Commission for Europe

Working Group on Ageing

Ministerial Conference on Ageing