OPENING SPEECH BY THE HON. ANTOINE MIFSUD BONNICI, PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY IN THE MINISTRY FOR SOCIAL POLICY... 7TH JANUARY 2002

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good Morning. Just as at the beginning of the last month I welcomed fellow citizens of yours from the Republic of China who were participants in a similar Training Programme organised by INIA, it is my pleasure this morning, as Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry for Social Policy to welcome you on behalf of the Government of Malta to this Training Programme in Social and Health Aspects of Ageing – organised by the International Institute on Ageing, United Nations (INIA) in collaboration with the Beijing Civil Affairs Bureau (BCAB). I also greet His Excellency the Chinese Ambassador who always makes it a point to honour us with his presence.

The decline in fertility levels, reinforced by continued decline in mortality levels, is producing fundamental changes in the age structure of the population of most societies, most notably record increases in the population and number of elderly persons, including a growing number of very elderly persons. The steady increase of older age groups in national populations, both in absolute numbers and in relation to the working-age population, has significant implications for a majority of countries, particularly with regard to the future viability of existing formal and informal modalities for assistance to elderly people. The economic and social impact of this "Ageing of Populations" is both an opportunity and a challenge to all societies. Many countries are currently re-examining their policies in the light of the principle that elderly people constitute a valuable and important component of a society’s human resources. They are also seeking to identify how best to assist elderly people with long-term support needs.

Individuals, families communities and countries all have important responsibilities in an ageing world. Across the lifespan, individuals and families must pursue their own well-being through responsible health economic and social behaviours. Families, communities and informal networks must provide day-to-day opportunities for productive involvement, support and care of all persons, including the aged. National policies and practices must nurture individual, family and community responsibility and provide opportunities for the physical, economic and health security of all people, including the elderly.

Demographic and social-forces are changing the shape of the world’s population and the nature of family and personal life. Because ageing is a multi-generational, gendered, life-long process, the well-being of older persons will be attained only when the well-being of younger persons is assured. Thus, to achieve a society for all ages, states, non-governmental organisations, communities, families and individuals must work to advance well-being for all people at all ages.

As the family is recognised as a fundamental unit of society, efforts should be made to support, protect and strengthen it in agreement with each society’s system of cultural values and in responding to the needs of its ageing members. Governments should promote social policies encouraging the maintenance of family solidarity among generations, with all members of the family participating. The role and contribution of the non-governmental organisations in strengthening the family as a unity should also be stressed at all levels.

Dear colleagues,

During these 2 weeks you will be comparing, discussing and evaluating the various policies towards Ageing adopted by different countries throughout the world. You will realise that despite the great difference between the territorial size and population of China and Malta, there exists many similarities in the field of the older people of the two countries. In many aspects, there exists also much similarity in the attitude which both China and Malta are adopting in the care of the elderly. Both governments while trying to support and strengthen the family’s traditional role of provider of care for the elderly, are at the same time providing public delivery systems for these elderly who cannot rely on themselves or on their families. You will be giving thorough consideration to various factors such as: the development of the economy as a priority in meeting the challenge of population ageing; the setting up of old age security systems; the establishment of the community based old age care system; the setting up of a legislative system in order to protect the rights of the elderly; the establishment of the safety networks for the elderly; the raising of the living standards of the elderly and the creation of an environment for healthy ageing.

In conclusion, while again expressing my great pleasure in declaring this Short Term Training Programme open and wishing you all very fruitful work, I feel certain that through these courses the collaboration between our two countries will be strengthened and I look forward to definite positive outcomes in our bilateral relations, especially through the personal intervention of His Excellency the Ambassador.

Thank you.