Every year, on October 1, the world celebrates the International Day of Older Persons. This day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1990, affirming the status of older persons in societies and recognizing their vital role in building nations and preserving human and cultural values.
The Syrian Future Movement, in commemorating this occasion, emphasizes that respect for the elderly is a civilizational pillar that reflects the depth of national, humanitarian, and religious belonging. In light of the horrors of war and displacement that our people have suffered, the elderly have played a silent but significant role in preserving identity, transmitting memory, and cementing the roots of belonging in the souls of generations.
The Syrian Future Movement sees this day as an opportunity to restore consideration for this group, which is often marginalized in public policies. We call for the consolidation of a culture of care and support for the elderly in Syria by launching national community care initiatives that include psychological and social support centers and mobile health services for the elderly in rural areas and camps.
The Syrian Future Movement believes in the necessity of integrating the elderly into cultural and educational life through “Popular Storyteller” programs that enable them to pass on their experiences to younger generations, promote intergenerational dialogue, and encourage national media to highlight the stories of the elderly to highlight their role in resisting injustice, preserving values, and documenting Syrian memory.
The Syrian Future Movement calls for this day to be declared a National Day for the Elderly Syrian, an annual occasion to celebrate them within the country and honor those who have contributed to community service. It also calls for the launch of the “Dignity of Life” campaign, which aims to raise awareness of the rights of the elderly and combat all forms of discrimination or neglect that may affect them.
The Syrian Future Movement believes that building a future Syria is only complete through respecting its past. The elderly are the guardians of that past and the mirror of the values we seek to instill in the future.
All respect and appreciation to our elders, who taught us that dignity cannot be bought and that a homeland resides in the heart before the land.
