UN General Assembly President Phillimon Yang stated that the global population of older persons will surpass that of youth by 2030, urging governments to implement comprehensive policies addressing the diverse needs of aging populations while recognizing their vital societal contributions.

Yang delivered these remarks during a high-level General Assembly meeting on aging Thursday evening, where he outlined the far-reaching implications of this demographic transition:

Key Projections

• The population aged 60+ will reach 1.6 billion within a decade (≈20% of humanity)

• This shift will impact all nations across policy-making, human rights, social development, and economic planning

Urgent Policy Recommendations

1. Healthcare & Social Protection: Scaling systems to meet exponentially growing demands

2. Economic Restructuring: Reforming pension schemes and labor markets

3. Rights Protection: Ensuring dignity through equitable access to services

4. Gender Lens: Addressing aging as a gendered experience requiring lifelong equality measures

Yang highlighted the Madrid International Plan of Action on Aging, emphasizing its integrated approach linking:
✓ Development ✓ Social policies ✓ Human rights

"Aging isn't a gender-neutral experience," Yang stressed, calling for environments where seniors live healthily, securely, and as fully participating community members.