regional- seminars and vorkshops have focused on such topics as projected changes inpopulation age structure, development and financing of national socj.al securiEy systems, and the biological- limits of human life. Numerous technical co-operationprojects undertaken by the ECLAC aecretariat in member states have been directed at ensuring that demographic variables are incorporated in development planninq. 26. In the light of the unprecedented increases in the numbers of elderly persons projected for the region of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) during the L985-2025 period - the highest rate of increase in the world - the ECA secretaria! has focused since 1982 on assisting member States in promoting pblicies and programmes for the proteclion of the aged, ensuring that the demographic evolution of the elderly populaCion is considered in devel"opment plans, and nonitoringprogress made at lhe national leve1. In addilion, an African Reqional Conference on Aging rras held in Dakar in December 1984 at the initiative of the covernment of Senegal, wilh the support of the Unj.ted Nations Trust Fund for Aging. This conference brougbt together national delegates from 29 African countries as ttell as some 40 African experts to examine the applicabitity of the Vienna InternationalA/40 /7L4 English Page I Plan of Action on Ag1nq to the African region and to develop concrete courses of action to respond to the needs of the African elderly. The conference participants expressed their appreciation for the leadership the United libtions is giving to rescue lhe millions of people affeceed by the severe drought which has so cruelly afflicted many of the Africrn countries during the Last few yearg. The conference emphasized that ehe unprecedented disastrous famine is inflicting its indiscrininate lrratb on the masses, and particularly the more vulnerable of them - the children and the aged. They made clear that despite efforts !o rescue as many
**Analysis**
The text appears to focus on demographic changes and their impact on social security systems, population aging, and humanitarian aid. The topics discussed are more related to social and economic issues rather than natural resources, environment, or agriculture. The text also mentions international cooperation and conferences, which suggests that the category should include international relations.

**Category**
Health, Humanitarian aid and relief