Media Update: United Nations Pakistan, 30 September 2021

THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

MESSAGE ON THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF OLDER PERSONS

1 October 2021

Staying connected with loved ones. Attending a religious service. Taking a stance. All of these actions and many more are increasingly carried out online, especially as individuals and communities grapple with restrictions imposed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As we face the challenge of navigating our world’s growing reliance on technology, perhaps no population could benefit more from support than older persons.

“Digital Equity for all Ages,” the theme of this year’s International Day of Older Persons, offers an important chance to expand opportunities across generations for the benefit of society as a whole.

Older persons have often been left more isolated during the pandemic. They are also at greater risk of suffering from the rising threat of cybercrime. While taking all possible measures to hold to account those unscrupulous criminals preying on older persons, we must also work to strengthen the digital skills of the older persons as an important defence and means to improve their well-being.

Older persons are far more than a vulnerable group; they are a source of knowledge, experience and rich contributions to our collective progress. When older persons can access, learn and use new technology, they will be better equipped to contribute to reaching the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), our universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy health, peace and prosperity.

On this year’s International Day of Older Persons, I call for more inclusive policies, strategies and actions to achieve digital equity for people of all ages.

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Secretary-General’s Video Message 

to the Youth4Climate: Driving Ambition (Pre-COP Youth Event)

30 September 2021 

 The climate crisis is a code red for humanity.

It is already devastating lives and livelihoods.

As usual, the poorest and most vulnerable are the hardest hit.

The window of opportunity to prevent the worst impacts of the climate crisis is closing quickly. We know what needs to be done and we have the tools to do it.  

Young people have been in the forefront of putting forward positive solutions, advocating for climate justice and holding leaders to account.

We need young people everywhere to keep raising your voices.

For a breakthrough in building resilience and ensuring that at least 50 per cent of climate support is for adaptation to protect lives and livelihoods.

For developed countries to finally deliver on their promise of $100 billion dollars a year in climate finance to the developing world.  

For more governments, businesses and investors to reduce their emissions in line with the 1.5  degree goal of the Paris Agreement. This means that they must commit to net-zero by mid-century, with ambitious 2030 targets, and clear plans to achieve them.

 For ramping up climate education, green jobs, and fair and inclusive economic growth, leaving no-one behind.

I thank the Government of Italy for providing this global stage for young people to engage directly with policy-makers.

And I thank the more than 400 young people for contributing your ideas and solutions in advance of COP26.

Your solidarity and demands for action set a powerful example.

We need national leaders to follow your example and ensure the ambition and results we need at COP26 and beyond.

Thank you. 

Watch the video: https://bit.ly/3AZtuUU