đ World Children's and Elders' Day 2025 đ
The World Children's Day and the International Day of Older Persons, both observed annually on the first day of October, represent two globally significant commemorative occasions recognised by the United Nations. Sri Lanka, by uniquely celebrating these two days in conjunction, highlights a dual mandate to affirm the welfare, rights, and dignity of two indispensable generations within society. This integrated observance provides an opportunity for a critical analysis of both the child and elderly populations as fundamental elements of human development and social continuity.
Children's Rights and Investment in the Future
Children constitute the future capital of any nation, and investing in the protection of their rights and development is an essential societal responsibility. The United Nations' Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) guarantees fundamental rights, including those related to education, healthcare, protection, and participation. Within the Sri Lankan context, this day underscores the necessity for strengthening state and civil society interventions regarding the challenges faced by children, such as child abuse, nutritional deficiencies, and digital safety. The well-being and empowerment of children must be systematically acknowledged as the foundational premise of national development.
Ageing Population and Societal Contribution
The International Day of Older Persons, proclaimed by the UN General Assembly on December 14, 1990, draws global attention to the reality of the world's rapidly ageing population and the importance of safeguarding their rights. Sri Lanka, too, is confronting this phenomenon, possessing one of the highest proportions of elderly populations in Asia. Older persons serve as the bedrock of wisdom, experience, and cultural heritage. This observance not only appreciates their lifelong contributions but also focuses attention on the need to improve existing social structures to ensure dignified ageing, social security, access to healthcare, and mitigation of social isolation.
Intergenerational Solidarity and Interaction
The joint commemoration of these two days in Sri Lanka symbolises the critical importance of Intergenerational Solidarity. The experience of the elderly is vital for the nurturing of children, and conversely, the vibrancy of children is profoundly important to the lives of the elderly. Amidst modern socio-economic shifts, the fragmentation of family structures has impacted both generations, resulting in socio-structural crises concerning the care and security of children and elders. This day reaffirms the need for the implementation of policy frameworks and mechanisms that solidify mutual understanding, respect, and care between the two generations.
Conclusion
World Children's and Elders' Day is not merely an occasion for ceremonial events. It represents a critical opportunity for the state, the family unit, and civil society to critically examine issues concerning human rights, social equity, and sustainable development. Guaranteeing a secure future for children and a dignified present for the elderly provides the moral and practical foundation for building a prosperous nation. Therefore, the responsibility for intergenerational continuity highlighted by this day must be sustained for the enduring welfare of future generations.
