ESCWA Publication: E/ESCWA/CL2.GPID/2024/TC.9
Country: Lebanese Republic
Publication Type: Information material
Cluster: Gender Justice, Population and Inclusive Development
Focus Area: Governance & enabling environment, Population dynamics & migration, Resilient development & conflict prevention
Initiatives: Older persons, Governance and institution building, Addressing multidimensional poverty
SDGs: Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being, Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Keywords: Ageing persons, Armed conflicts, Care of ageing persons, Caregivers, Community participation, Family responsibilities, Healthcare delivery, Lebanon, Old age benefits, Physical planning, Poverty mitigation, Primary health care, Productive ageing, Programmes of action, Technical cooperation, Employment policy, Retirement
Action Plan for the National Strategy for Older Persons in Lebanon 2020–2030
January 2025
Older persons in Lebanon face significant challenges as a result of the cumulative economic and social crises. In response to the priorities and needs of older persons, the State adopted the National Strategy for Older Persons in Lebanon 2020–2030, which set an ambitious vision for Lebanon as a society for all ages, where older persons can enjoy safe, healthy and dignified old age, and ensure their active participation in an inclusive environment.
To rationalize the implementation of the strategy, the Ministry of Social Affairs, with the support of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) and the United Nations Population Fund, developed the Action Plan for the National Strategy for Older Persons in Lebanon 2020–2030. The plan follows the guiding principles on which the strategy was based, including the adoption of a rights-based approach, a life-cycle approach, a positive outlook on ageing, and the importance of a participatory approach. The plan and its priorities are consistent with international conventions to which the Lebanese State is signatory, notably the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, and with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The plan outlines a multi-sectoral intervention path in line with the pillars and objectives of the strategy. From it emerge integrated programmes aimed at protecting and empowering older persons, and defining the roles of relevant parties. It also includes a framework for monitoring and evaluating each of the recommendations and interventions. The plan is a top priority at this critical stage in Lebanon, owing to the negative impact of crises on citizens in general, and on older persons in particular, at the psychological, health, social and economic levels. The plan’s importance lies in coordinating the efforts of stakeholders working on older persons issues, including public institutions, civil society organizations and donors; strengthening coordination mechanisms between them; and facilitating follow-up on the implementation of interventions that address older persons issues.
Related content
Governance & enabling environment, Population dynamics & migration, Resilient development & conflict prevention
Older persons in Lebanon face significant challenges as a result of the cumulative economic and social crises. In response to the priorities and needs of older persons, the State adopted the National Strategy for Older Persons in Lebanon 2020–2030, which set an ambitious vision for Lebanon as a society for all ages, where older persons can enjoy safe, healthy and dignified old age, and ensure their active participation in an inclusive environment.
To rationalize the implementation of the strategy, the Ministry of Social Affairs, with the support of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) and the United Nations Population Fund, developed the Action Plan for the National Strategy for Older Persons in Lebanon 2020–2030. The plan follows the guiding principles on which the strategy was based, including the adoption of a rights-based approach, a life-cycle approach, a positive outlook on ageing, and the importance of a participatory approach. The plan and its priorities are consistent with international conventions to which the Lebanese State is signatory, notably the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, and with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The plan outlines a multi-sectoral intervention path in line with the pillars and objectives of the strategy. From it emerge integrated programmes aimed at protecting and empowering older persons, and defining the roles of relevant parties. It also includes a framework for monitoring and evaluating each of the recommendations and interventions. The plan is a top priority at this critical stage in Lebanon, owing to the negative impact of crises on citizens in general, and on older persons in particular, at the psychological, health, social and economic levels. The plan’s importance lies in coordinating the efforts of stakeholders working on older persons issues, including public institutions, civil society organizations and donors; strengthening coordination mechanisms between them; and facilitating follow-up on the implementation of interventions that address older persons issues.
