The Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) convened in Amman on 20 and 21 November 2007 a Regional Seminar on the Review and Appraisal of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (MIPAA). The main objective of the seminar was to review the progress made in implementing the 2002 MIPAA, to share experiences and successful approaches and to assist member countries and relevant regional partners in their programmes for the older people. A further objective was to review action taken in the Arab Plan of Action on Ageing to the Year 2012. At the seminar, ESCWA urged member countries to continue their development efforts in respect of implementing the two plans at the regional level through (a) discussing priorities, needs and gaps pertaining to the efforts of Governments, civil society and other relevant parties regarding implementing, developing and monitoring the plans; and (b) proposing recommendations for follow up and implementation.