The Fourth Review and Appraisal of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (MIPAA) at the 61st session of the Commission for Social Development marks the 20-year milestone of MIPAA implementation, which was adopted at the Second World Assembly on Ageing in 2002. To this day its bold and comprehensive vision for a society for all ages remains the leading international framework on ageing and has guided policy developments around the world. But is MIPAA fit for the future? Or do we need to adjust and strengthen the international policy framework on ageing to better respond to the dynamics, challenges and changed realities that shape our world 20 years after its adoption?
The side event, built on the deliberation of the High-Level Panel discussion on the Fourth Review and Appraisal of the Madrid International Plan of Action at the 61st session of the Commission for Social Development that preceded it, invited Member States, United Nations representatives and civil society stakeholders to share their vision on what is needed at both international and national levels, to strengthen the international agenda on ageing going forward.
We celebrate the 20-year milestone of MIPAA implementation against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic that has caused untold suffering and loss of life, disproportionately affecting the health, lives, rights, and well-being of older people across the world. The pandemic has uncovered the shortcomings in the protection of the needs and human rights of older persons and drawn international attention to the urgency of addressing them.
The side event invited participants to discuss the success, the challenges and future of MIPAA and how synergies in the global implementation of MIPAA, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing and the human rights of older persons can be achieved and how these different processes can be better interlinked to create a positive dynamic for the implementation of MIPAA and improve the lives of older persons worldwide. The side event strove to discuss adequate responses to the dynamics and challenges of today's world such as digitalization and climate change.
The event was co-sponsored by Germany, Italy, Türkiye and UNDESA, and is organised by the UNECE Standing Working Group on Ageing.
Concept Note Side Event "MIPAA at 20 fit for the future"