Beirut: The Lebanese Ministry of Social Affairs, in collaboration with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), has introduced the Action Plan for the National Strategy for Older Persons in Lebanon (2020-2030). This initiative aims to transform Lebanon into an inclusive society for all age groups.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the launch event was attended by Lebanon's Minister of Social Affairs, Hector Hajjar, UNFPA Lebanon Representative Anandita Philipose, and ESCWA's Population Affairs Officer, Sara Salman. Minister Hajjar emphasized the significance of the action plan amid Lebanon's ongoing challenges, describing it as a practical roadmap that supports the elderly within families and communities while acknowledging their contributions to development.
The action plan is deemed a critical priority for Lebanon as the nation grapples with the compounded effects of successive crises impacting citizens' psychological, health, social, and economic well-being, especially among older persons. Salman pointed out Lebanon's rapid demographic shift towards an ageing population, urging concerted efforts from government bodies, international organizations, NGOs, and the private sector to implement the plan effectively.
The strategy is built on six main pillars: enhancing older persons' physical and mental health, ensuring their economic and social security, promoting active societal engagement, bolstering family support and intergenerational solidarity, creating an inclusive and age-friendly environment, and preventing violence against older individuals, especially those at risk of abuse or conflict.
Philipose highlighted the plan as a landmark achievement for Lebanon, marking the first-ever national action plan prioritizing older people's well-being and societal role. This milestone reflects UNFPA's and the government's dedication to advancing integrated policies for dignified and secure ageing through a life cycle approach.
The plan employs a multisectoral strategy, detailing the roles of ministries, public institutions, civil society organizations, and stakeholders. It sets a framework for monitoring and evaluating interventions, adopting a rights-based approach that emphasizes life cycle respect, positive ageing perceptions, and participatory methods, in alignment with Lebanon's international commitments.