By Anders Hylander
Today, representatives from HelpAge’s EU network are attending the European Development Days (EDDs) in Brussels. This year, the event has a particular focus on the post-2015 agenda – the ongoing process to discuss and agree a single universal framework for sustainable development after 2015.
Three Affiliates, Age International, HelpAge España and Slovene Philanthropy and HelpAge’s EU Policy Advisor, Ellen Graham will be at the event.
She said: “This is the first time that the HelpAge EU network has taken a strategic coordinated approach to engaging in the EDDs and represents an important step in the development of our capacity to influence EU policy as a European network.
“This year’s post-2015 theme is a timely opportunity to build on the positive policy developments earlier in the year, including a crucial reference to ageing in developing countries in the European Commission’s A Decent Life For All communication on the post-2015 debate.
A post-2015 framework for all ages
“At the EDDs, we will be seeking to raise the visibility of ageing in the post-2015 debate and the wider EU development discourse through targeted interventions across the different themes and through a variety of networking opportunities.”
The EU network representatives will be arguing that the post-2015 framework must be human-rights based and support the full realisation of all human rights for everyone. This means ensuring the inclusion and prioritisation of those traditionally marginalised and excluded from development responses, including older women and men.
There should be goals on social protection and decent work, health and gender that are inclusive of all people of all ages. The new framework must also ensure improved data collection and disaggregation to ensure that older people are visible to policy makers – something the Millennium Development Goals failed to do.
For further information please read our latest messages “Sustainable Development in an Ageing World”. This is a joint statement endorsed by a broad-based alliance of groups representing older men and women, disability, health and gender organisations and networks.
Want to know more:
- Visit the post-2015 section of our website and read our key messages.
- Visit the website for the European Development Days.
- Follow the European Development Days on Twitter: @eudevdays and @helpage.