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It is with feelings of appreciation and joy that I am here with you today on behalf of the President of the Republic, for the 3rd Pancyprian March of Love "Walk for the Third Age", organised by the Cyprus Civic Elders' Organisation and the Community Welfare Council (CCC) of Finio, under the auspices of the European Elders' Union (ESU).
I convey the warm greetings of President Christodoulides, who, due to the anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Cyprus, could not attend the event today.
33 years ago, on 14 December 1990, the United Nations General Assembly designated 1 October as World Day for Older Persons, as part of the promotion and implementation of the UN International Plan of Action on Ageing.
This year, marking the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the UN, the theme of World Day for Older Persons is "Fulfilling the Promises of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights for Older Persons: Across Generations" and focuses on the specificity of older persons in the enjoyment of their human rights and ways to strengthen intergenerational solidarity to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I choose this day, World Day of Older Persons, to officially announce that the Government of Nicos Christodoulides has taken the political decision at the highest level to develop a National Strategy and National Action Plan for Older Persons. The coordinating body is the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare and there will be inter-ministerial participation as well as the participation of all relevant bodies.
The aim is, among other things, active ageing, improving living conditions, empowerment of older people, inclusion, lifelong learning, provision of quality support and care services.
The Government aims to continuously improve the standard of living of older people and a tangible result is the implementation of the system of timely payment of the statutory pension within one month of reaching retirement age, which has been in place since the end of last month for beneficiaries reaching the age of 65.
Ladies and gentlemen,
As the UN points out, population ageing is an irreversible global trend. Under-fertility combined with increasing life expectancy are the components of the phenomenon of rapid population ageing, and health systems around the world face major challenges in addressing this demographic change.
The fact is that longer life spans bring with them challenges and opportunities, not only for older people and their families, but also for societies as a whole. Older people can engage in new activities, such as further education or a new career. In addition, they contribute in many ways to their families and communities. However, the extent of these opportunities and contributions depends largely on one factor, health. This is why health promotion, disease prevention and treatment is considered of paramount importance throughout the life course.
Supportive physical and social environments play a central role, as they help older people to maintain their activity levels and independence and allow people to do what is important to them, despite the loss of abilities caused by biological deterioration of the body.
The State Ministry of Social Welfare recognises age-related maturity as a natural progression of life. Our efforts are continuous so that by designing and implementing concrete and effective measures, we strengthen the protection of the human rights of current and future generations.
I mentioned earlier about the National Strategy. I can assure you that the Ministry of Social Welfare is not sitting on its hands until it is drafted.
I am aware of the challenges. I know the weaknesses. I make scheduled and unannounced visits to shelters.
I am in constant contact with all those who, through synergies, can contribute to improving the quality of life of the elderly and I am happy to say that I am getting a response.
Ladies and gentlemen,
To our elderly we owe not only a big thank you, but also our unlimited appreciation and love. We draw from their wisdom and hope to be worthy of their legacy.
I extend my sincere congratulations to the Cyprus Civic Elders' Organization and SKE Finiou, both for organizing the annual Pancyprian March of Love for the Elderly and for the multi-dimensional and important work they do. On behalf of the Nicos Christodoulides Government, I assure you that we are by your side, always supporting you, but also accompanying you on a path towards a just society for all, an inclusive society, an inclusive society in all areas of our lives, for all generations.
Thank you.
(ΘΘ/ΜΒ)
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