A Society for All Ages: promoting intergenerational solidarity Vitalija Gaučaitė Wittich Chief, Population Unit, UNECE 18 March 2015, Bilbao Towards Bizkaia For All Ages: How Should Intergenerational Programmes Be Promoted?

UNECE region 56 states, 18 % of world population, ~1/3 of world’s 65+

Regional trends: population People in the UNECE region: – live longer – are healthier – are better educated – have fewer children, and later in life – live in more diverse family settings – have higher incomes – are more mobile

Regional trends: population This has led to:  Population growth slowing or negative  Ageing societies  Increasing diversity Societies can prosper with slow/negative population growth & with population ageing if they:  anticipate change and prepare for it  adapt institutions & systems  invest in people’s education, health, employment and social participation opportunities throughout the life course

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Policy responses: From international frameworks to national strategies

International Policy Framework on Ageing First World Assembly on Ageing, Vienna Second World Assembly on Ageing, Madrid UNECE Ministerial Conference on Ageing, Berlin UNECE Ministerial Conference on Ageing, León UNECE Ministerial Conference on Ageing, Vienna UNECE Ministerial Conference on Ageing, Istanbul (?) European Year of Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations 1st review cycle2nd review cycle3rd review cycle Working Group on Ageing 6th Mtg. 4th Mtg. 3rd Mtg. 2nd Mtg. 5th Mtg MIPAA RIS 7th Mtg.

2012 Vienna Ministerial Declaration: goals I.Longer working live is encouraged and ability to work is maintained II.Participation, non-discrimination and social inclusion of older persons are promoted III.Dignity, health and independence in older age are promoted and safeguarded IV.Intergenerational solidarity is maintained and enhanced

2012 Vienna Declaration: intergenerational solidarity multigenerational dialogue and intergenerational learning by all stakeholders cooperation between youth and older persons’ organisations joint volunteering of people of all ages teaching young about healthy, active ageing as part of the life course, and raising awareness among older on issues of the younger generations…

Policy responses investing in people Older people: Priorities  provision & quality of social services including long-term care  pension reforms  dignity & independent living  adapted health care services  participation in community life & decision making process  lifelong learning Issues of concern  neglect, abuse and violence against older persons  employment opportunities and utilization of older people’s skills and competences  healthy & active ageing  poverty

Policy responses investing in people Adolescents and Youth: priorities  investing in education (formal & informal): - environmental, civic, SRH, life-skills  creating employment opportunities  improving health  combating violence & exploitation Issues of concern  reaching out to underserved, vulnerable and disadvantaged children and youth  matching labour market needs with education, vocational and lifelong learning  participation in decision making  poverty & inequality

Policy responses addressing gender roles & family structures Families: Priorities  3 pillars of support: allowances, parental leave and child care  poor families with children, single-parent families, families caring for members with specific needs  combining employment and parenthood  gender equality within family Issues of concern  lagging legal basis for non-traditional living arrangements  rights related to fatherhood  child abuse and neglect  feminisation of care work within family

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