South Asia Partnership on Ageing: The Kathmandu Declaration 2016

The declaration was undertaken following a workshop attended by members of SAARC in Kathmandu (Nepal), 2016.

Key Features of the Declaration

  • A regional body called South Asia Senior Citizens’ Forum (SASCF) was established. It had been established on the basis of the 36 point Kathmandu Declaration signed at the 18th SAARC Summit meeting in 2014, focusing towards the ‘Special Needs of Elderly Population’ of the region.
  • The Forum also reaffirms commitments to the Older Peoples Rights enshrined in the Vienna International Plan of Action on Ageing, the United Nations Principles for Older Persons, the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, 2002 and Sustainable Development Goals aiming at leaving no one behind, in order to create an inclusive society for all by 2030.
  • The Kathmandu Declaration is of utmost significance as it was taken up in a regional grouping, where India stands taller and is a leader. Member countries must align their policies with the declaration.

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