The 2006 Second Workshop Outline

1. THEME

Population Ageing and Appropriate Measures for the Aged

2. BACKGROUND

World Population is growing rapidly, but it is ageing even more rapidly. In the last half century World population more than doubled, from 2.5 to 6.1 billion. The population 65 and over, however, more than tripled, from 131 million to 417 million. Over the next half century, world population may grow by about 60% to 10 billion, but the population 65 and over will almost triple again, from 417 to 1.5 Billion in 2050.

This accelerated ageing process is even more dramatic in Asia. In the last half century, Asia's total population almost tripled, rising from 1.4 to 3.7 billion. Those 65 and over, however, grew by almost four times, from 57 to 217 million. The future will see even greater ageing. While the total Asian population may grow from 3.7 to 6.4 billion, or 57 percent from 2000 to 2050; those 65 and over may grow from 217 to 907 million, or an increase of more than 4 times. Moreover, the number of really old people in Asia, those 80 and over, has grown from about 4 million in 1950 to 29 million in 2000; they will grow to over 225 million by 2050.

Population ageing has a great impact on society and economy. It brings a shrinking of the work force, an increasing social-security burden, and a major change in family structure and medical problems. As women represent the larger number and proportion of older people in almost all societies, the issue also has important gender implications. On the other hand, the positive aspect of ageing is that the elders have more time to contribute to the society with their rich experience of life and work.

UNFPA has been actively involved in ageing issues for many years. It has worked with many countries to formulate appropriate public policies and promote policy dialogues to respond to the challenges posed by the social, health and economic consequences of population ageing. It has also assisted many countries to meet the needs of older persons, with particular emphasis on the poor and especially women.

The UNFPA Policy Guidelines on Ageing provide measures which can effectively respond to the needs, expectations and rights of older persons. They include the following:

• Focus on the older poor, in development and poverty-reduction strategies;
• Examine the economic, social and cultural implications of population and demographic changes, and how they relate to development concerns;
• Promote the implementation of adequate policies and programs for active ageing, including life-long education and training, and the full participation of older persons in community life;
• Recognize and support the care-giving services provided by grandparents, especially women, to grandchildren orphaned by AIDS;
• Eliminate discrimination; financial, psychological and physical abuse; and other crimes against older persons, especially women, including intergenerational violence;
• Promote intergenerational solidarity with the goal of maintaining and improving social cohesion;

3. AIMS

This workshop is designed for senior officials of AUICK Associate Cities (AACs) who are in charge of policies and programs directed at the aged. In view of the UNFPA Policy Guidelines on Ageing, the Workshop is designed to help the participants improve their knowledge to address the urban policy implications of the population ageing processes and its social and economic impacts. It is also designed to increase the participants understanding and kwow-how of administrative measures for the aged through presentations of city reports, case studies, discussions and field observations. Each participant is also expected to develop a concrete action plan for appropriate administrative measures for the aged, which is to be implemented upon their return to their cities.

4. INVITED CITIES

AUICK Associate Cities (one person from each city):
Chittagong (Bangladesh), Weihai (China), Chennai (India), Surabaya (Indonesia), Kuantan (Malaysia), Faisalabad (Pakistan), Olongapo (Philippines), Khon Kaen (Thailand), Danang (Vietnam)

5. LANGUAGE

English (Interpretation will be provided for lectures given in Japanese.)

6. PERIOD

Monday 30 October - Friday 10 November 2006 (12days)

7. APPLICATION PROCEDURES

7.1. Qualification of Applicant

1. The applicant should be officially nominated by the mayor or the top administrator of the city to which the applicant belongs.
2. The applicant should be a senior city official who is in charge of policies and programs directed at the aged, such as director or deputy director of a relevant department.
3. The applicant is required to have university level education and work experience as a city official for at least 7 years.
4. The applicant is required to be willing and able to remain in the position of city official in the relevant field in the city for at least 5 years.
5. The applicant should have a sufficient command of both spoken and written English as the workshop is conducted in English.
   

   Note: In case English ability is the only problem in the nomination of qualified official, please consult us ahead of time.

6. The applicant should be physically and mentally fit to participate in all aspects of the workshop. Regrettably, pregnant women will not be accepted as the workshop program contains some site visits that demand physical exertion inappropriate for pregnant women.
7. The applicant who attended the 2002 Seminar on Population Ageing and Administrative Countermeasures for the Aged or any AUICK workshops held in 2004 or later should not be nominated for any reason.
8. Word processing skill is preferable since the applicants will be expected to develop an action plan with a computer during the workshop.

7.2. Participant Nomination

The mayor or the top administrator is requested to nominate a qualified city official and submit the following necessary documents to AUCIK by: 11 August 2006.

7.3. Notification of Acceptance

After careful consideration made by AUICK with the consultation of the relevant UNFPA Country Office and AUICK International Advisory Committee member, the final decision on the participant selection will be notified to the mayor or the top administrator.

The nominee is required to have a medical checkup and submit a designated form completed by a medical doctor in September 2006.

7.4. Procedures for Entry to Japan

In parallel with the notification of acceptance to the mayor or the top administrator, AUICK will send the necessary documents for visa application directly to the nominee. The nominee is requested to immediately apply for an entry visa at the nearest Japanese Consular Office.

8. INVITATIONAL CONDITIONS FOR PARTICIPANT

AUICK will provide the participant with the followings. Other expenses must be borne by the participant.

1. Expenses for obtaining a medical certificate and a visa.

   Note: The expenses will be reimbursed in Japanese currency during the workshop on condition that the participant requests the reimbursement with the original receipts issued directly from the relevant venders. The transportation and postage expenses for obtaining visas or medical certificates will not be reimbursed. The expense for obtaining a passport will not be reimbursed.

2. Economy-class round trip airline ticket between the nearest airport to each participant's residence and Kansai International Airport (KIX) in Japan.

   Note: The ticket will be delivered to the participant through the relevant local travel agent. Airport taxes and the other fees will be paid through travel agents. If the participant is required to pay any other tax or fees at departure, the expenses will be reimbursed in Japanese currency during the workshop on condition that the participant requests the reimbursement with the original receipts issued directly from the relevant venders.

3. Travel expenses between KIX and the accommodation in Japan.
4. Accommodation in Japan.
5. Living allowance of JPY 6,200 per day for meals and incidental expenses during the workshop in Japan.
6. Short-term insurance to cover injuries or illness from the time of entry to Japan until departure.

   Note: Preexisting illnesses and dental treatment are not covered by the insurance.

7. Internal transportation for the workshop programs.

9. RESPONSIBILITIES OF PARTICIPANT

The participant is required to:

1. Abide by Japanese law and regulations during their stay.
2. Follow the regulations and schedule of the workshop prepared by AUICK and the Kobe City Government.
3. Attend the workshop unaccompanied.
4. Depart Japan upon the termination of the workshop.

   Note: The visa issued will not allow the participant to stay in Japan beyond the workshop period.

5. Gather the required data on their cities and submit the report before the specified date.

   Note: Submitted data and report will be integrated into AUICK's web-based database and be open to public.

10. ORGANIZERS

10.1. Asian Urban Information Center of Kobe (AUICK)
         Kobe International Center for Cooperation and Communication (KIC)

         Kobe International House 20F, 8-1-6, Goko-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe 651-0087 JAPAN
         Tel: +81-78-291-8031
         Fax: +81-78-291-0691
         E-mail: auick@auick.org
         URL: http://www.auick.org

10.2. Kobe City Government (Civic Affairs, Culture and Tourism Bureau)

         6-5-1, Kano-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-8570 JAPAN
         Tel: +81-78-322-5010
         Fax: +81-78-322-2382

11. SCHEDULE

AUICK Second 2006 Workshop Schedule