Older persons

The Arab region has one of the fastest growing populations in the world, which has more than tripled over the past four decades. To date, the Arab region has been characterized by its youthful population; however, recent demographic shifts are resulting in a persisting youth bulge and a significant increase in the numbers and proportions of older persons, forcing Governments to address often competing priorities for their different age groups.

Population ageing, which is projected for the near future in most Arab countries, will happen at a much faster rate in the region compared to other regions. This accelerated shift leaves a tight window for member States to address the needs and priorities of their current older populations and of future cohorts.  

Against this backdrop, ESCWA has been leading efforts to address the knowledge gap on ageing in the region, foster regional collaboration and dialogue, and build the capacity of member States to develop population and ageing related policies.

Our approach

Our partners

The League of Arab States and UNFPA.

Our activities

ESCWA contributes to innovative research on ageing issues by producing knowledge and increasing awareness on the rights of older persons and the implications of ageing on development in the Arab region. It develops tools and capacity-building activities to enhance the capacities of member countries to mainstream ageing issues in policy-making processes and provides technical advice to support the development of national policies and laws on older persons and ensure their successful implementation. 

To promote regional cooperation and peer learning on population and ageing, ESCWA organizes a series of events and meetings, mainly the Regional Review of the International Conference on Population and Development, every 5 years and the Regional Review of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, every 4 years.  These events aim to identify key population and ageing priorities in the region, understand opportunities and challenges and discuss concrete policy solutions.