“It was Malta that brought the issue of population aging to the international agenda for the first time back in 1968. This was, still is and will remain an important priority for the government.” This was outlined by Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade Ian Borg while addressing the first international forum on Age-Friendly and Liveable Cities (AFLC) and the Finals of the International Awards for Liveable Communities (LivCom Awards 2023) which is being held in our country.
Minister Borg recalled how, back in 1987, the International Institute on Ageing, United Nations, was founded in our country in order to implement one of the recommendations of the Vienna International Plan of Action on Ageing. He further said how Malta is looking forward to continue working to implement the concept of Age-Friendly Cities as led by the World Health Organisation. “This not only offers safer cities for our elderly but, more than that, will offer opportunities for active ageing. The elderly are an integral part of the community and should not be left out from our society,” Minister Borg said.
In his speech, Dr Borg said that the collaboration between the National and Local Government and organisations is essential in order to have effective ageing. As Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ian Borg said that he also believes that there is a need for more collaboration and synergy between all countries to improve the quality of life of the elderly.
Photos: MFET
