It is my good fortune to be able to represent the Committee on Ageing here in the United Nations and speak today about an issue that everyone of us will sooner or later find high on our agendas. That issue is ageing. Unfortunately it was never specifically mentioned in the MDGs – a very shortsighted decision in view of the global increase in the over 60 populations around the globe. And I might also say that looking at the makeup of NGOs that are supporting the implementation of the MDG you will see a lot of white, or going on white hair. Sort of looks like age is creeping up and there is no way to hide it.

If you will permit me I would like to propose ways in which the MDGs could incorporate that growing concern around the world of how to include what will become over 50% of the population: those over 60. I'm one of them and I think there are numbers in the government missions to the UN. Welcome.

The first MDG: Eradicate Extreme Poverty and Hunger certainly relates to older persons, particularly older women. There is a sharp correlation between ageing and poverty, particularly in the developing world, and especially for women who not only live longer than men and in general have fewer financial resources. They will be among the poorest of the poor. I've seen it in Africa both in the east, west, north and south as well urban and rural areas. Is it too difficult to add in countless phrases "of all ages" so we don't forget them?

The third MDG: Promote Gender Equality and Empower Women certainly applies to older women. In all parts if the world there is a gender disparity between women and men and this disparity follows through for "older women" as well. It should be easy to say "promote gender equality and empower women of all ages." Let's try.

The sixth MDG focuses on Combating HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Other Diseases. Older persons may acquire HIV/AIDS through sexual contact or sharing needless if they are drug users. Because of their age they may think that they are too old to contract the disease. Also, many grandparents are caring for their grandchildren because the parents have died or are too ill to care for their children. Can a phrase be added to indicate that all of the efforts to stop the increase in aids should cover and include all ages in their implementation?

The seventh MDG would Ensure Environmental Sustainability, and relates to the need for access to safe drinking water. It is especially an issue in urban areas where the 100 million slum dwellers by the year 2020 are increasingly composed of older persons whose children have come to live with them while seeking jobs in the cities. Urban slum dwellers have sought adequate water supply, safe transport, electric power, and shopping facilities. A study done on this subject recently in 10 countries around the world affirmed the needs.

And the eighth MDG would Develop a Global Partnership for Development, and speaks of cooperation with pharmaceutical companies, and "access to affordable essential drugs." Where would one find a larger audience than older persons who, often lacking the funds and faced with many illnesses often tied to ageing, struggle to get the drugs that they need, aren't mentioned in the MDGs. Now we have another critical add on and action on.

I know that you can see that there are many reasons to promote the inclusion of older persons in the MDGs. If they are not included it would be a travesty of justice.

Thank you.