As the Asia-Pacific region grapples with an aging population, the ASEAN Plus Three International Forum on Response to Aging convened in Beijing on Wednesday to address this pressing challenge.
East Asia, the fastest-aging region globally, currently holds 37 percent of the world's elderly population. By mid-century, ASEAN countries, along with China, Japan, and South Korea are expected to confront an even more severe aging challenge.
To address the collective issue, delegations from the 13 countries gathered in Beijing to explore regional and domestic solutions. China's Minister of Civil Affairs Lu Zhiyuan highlighted the significance of this event against the backdrop of accelerating global aging. During the conference, delegates discussed further intergovernmental collaborations, and shared best practices to inspire insights.
China's approach to aging management, which integrates advocating active and healthy aging through its economic and social development endeavors, establishing well-rounded government policies, and strengthening elderly care services, has gained recognition.
"The cooperation between Laos and China is great cooperation between two countries. There are many best practices in China, I think not only for Laos but also for the internationals that we need to learn from. Particularly in terms of human resources development, since you have universities. In Laos, we have the [people] to work in the field of [elderly care], but we need to upgrade more than knowledge in the field," said Chomyaeng Phengthongsawat, Director General of Policy for Devotee, Disabilities, and Older Persons under the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare of Laos.
As a major platform dedicated to addressing aging populations, the forum gathers collective efforts to foster regional strategy networks and collective response, setting a cooperative model for the world to tackle the global challenge.
Countries in Asia-Pacific region calls for stronger regional cooperation on aging
A delegation of 40 students and teachers from seven Chinese mainland universities on Thursday wrapped up their nine-day visit to Taiwan. They set off for Taiwan on Nov. 27 and visited universities, historical sites, scenic spots, as well as sports, sci-tech and cultural venues on the island, widely engaging with locals throughout the tour.
The delegation made the tour at the invitation of the Taiwan-based Ma Ying-jeou Culture and Education Foundation.
"The young people from both sides of the Strait share the same root, and we are having a harmonious communication this time. We also welcome young people from Taiwan to visit the mainland for exchange," Cao Yibo, a student from Peking University, told reporters during the tour.
The delegation included table tennis Olympic champion Ma Long who studies at Beijing Sport University, and air rifle Olympic champion Yang Qian of Tsinghua University.
"In the future, I would like to visit Taiwan again. I did not expect that so many compatriots in Taiwan would come to welcome and us and pay so much attention to our exchange tour," Ma said.
Hsiao Hsu-tsen, executive director of the Ma Ying-jeou Culture and Education Foundation, saw off the delegation at the airport on Thursday, and said the mainland students and teachers had received Taiwan residents' heartfelt welcome wherever they went.
"The farewell dinner party was held yesterday evening, when almost all students from the mainland shared their feelings. What moved me so much is that every one of them thanked people here, because the latter sincerely and warmly welcomed them wherever they went during the nine-day tour. They told me that when they go back, they will tell their relatives and friends that people in Taiwan are kind, hospitable and warm. I believe that is the most important purpose of the exchange across the Strait," he said.
Calling youth exchanges a foundation of cross-Strait relations in the future, Hsiao said the foundation will carry on and continue to promote such exchanges across the Strait.
This is the second delegation of mainland teachers and students visiting Taiwan at the invitation of the Ma Ying-jeou Foundation, following the visit by a first delegation in July last year.
Delegation of mainland university students, teachers wraps up Taiwan visit
