Mr. Chairman,
Sweden fully aligns herself with the statement made by Slovenia on behalf of the European Union during the panel discussion under this agenda item. In addition, we would like to make a few remarks on this subject, to which we attach great importance.
Through the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing the UN and its member states have taken a valuable step towards better living conditions for elderly people. We have great hopes for the action plan, and we are going to do our best to achieve its successful implementation.
Demography, and in particular the ageing populations have recently been in focus at several international conferences. One recurring issue at these meetings has been the question of how countries shall manage the growing number of elderly in their societies. The conclusions seem to point in one direction: Several concerted measures are needed to meet the challenges in the long run. Countries, rich and poor, are making, or should make, efforts to adapt to an ageing society. This is indeed an issue of global co-operation, of concern to all of us.
Sweden has long been aware of these coming challenges and we have gradually adjusted our national policies in response to them. However, we still have a number of issues to deal with in order to adapt the system to the needs and desires of the individual, rather than the other way around. We should focus on the individual and point to the importance of having a dignified elderly care of high quality for our ageing populations.
We believe that a process of changing attitudes towards the elderly is needed. Elderly people are too often looked upon as an economic burden and a strain on the health care systems. We should rather see the demographic curve as a tremendous welfare achievement. When discussing ageing societies it is important to keep in mind that we now live longer than ever before, because we are healthier and better educated.
How we organize our welfare systems differs from one country to another. Regardless of what system we choose, we have to treat our elderly with respect and dignity. It has little to do with the economy, and everything to do with attitudes. And it is relevant everywhere.
In November last year the member states of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe met in León, Spain, in a follow up to the Madrid World Assembly on Ageing. In the Ministerial Declaration adopted at the meeting there is an emphasis on dignity and on placing the individual at the centre. We see this as a very positive development.
Sweden would welcome an increased exchange of practices, experiences and knowledge on the systems for social services and social protection, regionally as well as globally. We have a lot to learn from each other.
How could we – governments, the UN, the research community and the NGOs – together build a society where dignity is guaranteed?
We need strong united efforts to achieve a society for all ages, where all people regardless of age are treated with respect and dignity.
Thank you.