The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is set to host a high-level forum to convene member states, international development partners, the academe, civil society, non-governmental organizations and other Philippine government agencies to discuss innovative and sustainable approaches in responding to the opportunities and challenges of an aging population in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region.
The event will be held at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City on June 3-4, in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, and the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia.
The ASEAN High-Level Forum on Unlocking the Silver Economy aims to advance policies and investments that will empower older persons and harness their contributions for economic growth and development.
“Our focus on the silver economy is not only about responding to the needs of older persons. It is also about recognizing their continued capacity to contribute to communities and economies when the proper support systems are in place,” DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said in a statement Tuesday.
“As the chair of this year’s ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) pillar, the Philippines is pushing for inclusive development and people-centered policies. Through this forum, we hope to strengthen regional cooperation and encourage investments that will support active, dignified, and productive aging,” she said.
The forum aims to position the silver economy as a strategic economic driver within ASEAN’s socio-economic agenda while creating a platform for cross-sector dialogue on health, integrated care systems, social protection, lifelong learning, entrepreneurship and innovation for aging populations.
Dr. Aleksandar “Sasha” Bodiroza, UNFPA Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, said the silver economy offers a transformative opportunity amid demographic changes across Southeast Asia.
“With the right policies and investments, it can create new markets, jobs, and services while ensuring that all older persons have the opportunity to participate, contribute, and thrive,” he said.
Among the goals of the high-level forum are expanding participation of older persons in the economy through enabling environments; promoting innovation, technology, and private sector engagement in products and services for senior citizens; strengthening equitable health and social protection systems; and enhancing regional cooperation and investments for the silver economy.
The initiative aligns with the DSWD’s ASCC leadership theme, “RISE ASEAN,” which stands for Resilient and empowered families; Inclusive development; Smart youth and innovation; and an Environmentally sustainable and food-secure future. (PNA)
