Unesco's MOST forum to discuss women, ageing issues: Rohani Karim

KUALA LUMPUR: The Asia-Pacific Ministerial Forum on Management of Social Transformations (Most) Programme is the perfect platform for various governments to study their respective social policies, said Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim (pix).
The forum's theme "Building Inclusive Societies" will focus on social innovation, ageing population and women as part of its three-day agenda.
"As the host of this forum, the government is committed to share our efforts at building an inclusive society in the Asia-Pacific region, said Rohani, adding that the 2050 National Tranformation (TN50) and the ongoing National Transformation Plan (NTP) are examples of plans to share and exchange views with other policymakers and experts for advice and input.
Speaking to reporters at the forum in Sunway Putra Hotel, here, yesterday, she who is also the Most Intergovernmental Council (IGC) president said the government is willing to study measures implemented by other countries especially issues involving women and children.
"We would also like to set and measure the benchmarks set by each participating country on these issues as well," she added.
In addition, Rohani also pointed that the ageing population is an important sub-theme for Malaysia.
"According to studies, Malaysia will be an aged nation by 2035, so we have to prepare now.
"Currently we do not have much information regarding on how to deal with ageing positively. Hence the opportunity is there for our local researchers to learn from their international counterparts,"she said.
The event involving 15 countries from the Asia-Pacific region kick-started on Tuesday and will conclude today (Thursday).
The Most programme which was launched in 1994, is the only Unesco programme that fosters and promotes social science research to be used by policy-makers globally.
It comprises 35 Member States of Unesco including China, Turkey, Brazil, Canada and Indonesia.
Through the Education Ministry, the country has been appointed Unesco executive board member from 2015 to 2019.