Conference themes

Implementing the WHO’s Age-Friendly Cities and Communities framework, encompassing the key domains of outdoor spaces and buildings, transportation, housing, social participation, respect and social inclusion, civic participation and employment, communication and information, and community support and health services is a commitment to healthy ageing.  Key objectives include:

• Sharing Best Practices: Facilitating knowledge exchange and sharing of best practices in age-friendly planning, policy development, and implementation strategies from diverse regions and contexts.
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• Building Capacity: Empowering stakeholders with the tools, resources, and expertise needed to create and sustain age-friendly environments, including training sessions, technical assistance, and capacity-building workshops.
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• Fostering Collaboration: Promoting collaboration and partnerships between governments, civil society organizations, academia, businesses, and older adults themselves to leverage resources and expertise in advancing age-friendly agendas.
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• Promoting Equity and Inclusion: Ensuring that age-friendly initiatives are inclusive and responsive to the diverse needs and priorities of older adults, particularly those from marginalized and vulnerable populations.
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• Driving Action: Catalyzing action-oriented strategies and commitments to accelerate the implementation of age-friendly initiatives at the local, national, and global levels.

By convening stakeholders from diverse sectors and regions, this conference aims to harness collective action towards building inclusive communities where people of all ages can live, work, and thrive.

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Key considerations include the development of policy frameworks that prioritize investments in education, healthcare, workforce development, and technology, with a focus on long-term sustainability and inclusivity.  Partnerships and collaboration among governments, international organizations, NGOs, academia, and the private sector are essential for leveraging resources, expertise, and best practices.

Strengthening education and training systems is fundamental for building human capital, engaging local stakeholders, and promoting culturally competent practices.  Improving healthcare infrastructure and services is vital for enhancing health outcomes and reducing disparities, necessitating investments in facilities, equipment, workforce development, and access to essential medicines.

Empowering local communities through participatory approaches and grassroots initiatives fosters ownership and long-term impact.  Lastly, robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms are crucial for assessing effectiveness, tracking progress, identifying challenges, and optimizing outcomes.

This conference provides a platform for stakeholders to exchange knowledge, share best practices, and catalyze action towards building capacity in LMICs.  By adopting a holistic approach and embracing collaboration, we can work towards a future where all communities have the resources and resilience to thrive sustainably.

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The rapid pace of ageing in LMICs necessitates innovative approaches to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goal 8.  This conference theme serves as a catalyst for rich dialogue and knowledge exchange on a range of topics, including entrepreneurship, age-inclusive workplaces, lifelong learning initiatives, and economic security for older adults.

Key considerations include addressing barriers to employment and training faced by older individuals, ensuring access to opportunities for re-entering the workforce, and combating age discrimination.  Moreover, discussions will explore strategies for fostering intergenerational collaboration, enabling older workers’ participation in the labor market, and promoting economic resilience across generations.

Through engaging sessions and interactive workshops, participants will explore best practices, share insights, and identify actionable strategies to promote inclusive economic growth in the context of population ageing.  By fostering collaboration and leveraging the collective expertise of stakeholders from diverse sectors and regions, this conference aims to help inform a future where older adults contribute meaningfully to economies and societies worldwide.

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At the heart of this theme lies the recognition of the pivotal role that families play in shaping the well-being and development of individuals and communities.  By promoting strong family units, characterized by love, support, and mutual respect, we can lay the foundation for thriving societies.

Intergenerational programs offer a unique opportunity to bridge the generation gap, foster understanding, and cultivate a sense of belonging and unity.  By facilitating interactions between older adults, youth, and children, these programs can promote mutual learning, transfer of knowledge, and the preservation of cultural heritage.

Furthermore, intergenerational programs have the potential to address pressing social challenges, such as poverty, inequality, and social isolation, by harnessing the collective strengths and resources of diverse age groups within communities.

Throughout this conference, participants will explore innovative approaches to family support, intergenerational engagement, and community development.  Key topics of discussion will include strategies for promoting positive parent-child relationships, empowering caregivers, and creating inclusive spaces for intergenerational dialogue and collaboration.

By harnessing the rich tapestry of cultural diversity and wisdom that many nations embody, we can forge a future where families thrive, generations connect, and communities flourish.

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At the heart of this initiative lies the vision of promoting a life course approach to healthy ageing, ensuring that individuals can enjoy not only longer lifespans but also improved quality of life as they age.  Key pillars of this approach include preventive healthcare, access to equitable and quality healthcare services, social inclusion, and age-friendly environments.

Throughout the Decade, it is essential to prioritize policies and programs that address the multifaceted needs of older adults, recognizing their diversity and unique contributions to society. This entails fostering environments that promote physical activity, nutritious diets, mental well-being, and social connectedness.

Moreover, combating ageism and discrimination against older adults is paramount for promoting their rights, dignity, and autonomy.  Efforts to challenge stereotypes, promote intergenerational solidarity, and ensure access to lifelong learning opportunities are crucial for building inclusive societies where individuals of all ages can thrive.

As we embark on this journey, collaboration and partnership are key.  By harnessing the collective expertise, resources, and experiences of stakeholders from diverse sectors and regions, we can accelerate progress towards achieving the goals of the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing and create a world where individuals can age with grace, vitality, and dignity.  This conference serves as a pivotal platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and collective action towards this shared vision of healthy ageing for all.

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At the core of this theme lies a commitment to upholding the inherent dignity and worth of every individual, regardless of age.  Recognizing that older adults are rights-holders with distinct needs and vulnerabilities, this conference provides a platform to champion their rights, amplify their voices, and advocate for policies and practices that promote their well-being and autonomy.

Key focal points of the conference include:

• Ageism and Discrimination: Addressing ageism and discriminatory practices that marginalize older adults and undermine their rights to equality, dignity, and participation in society.
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• Health and Social Care: Ensuring access to affordable, equitable, and quality healthcare services, as well as social care and support systems, that respect the autonomy and preferences of older adults.
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• Legal Protections: Strengthening legal frameworks and mechanisms to protect the rights of older adults, including safeguards against abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
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• Social Inclusion and Participation: Promoting opportunities for older adults to actively engage in civic, economic, and cultural life, fostering social inclusion, and combating isolation and loneliness.
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• End-of-Life Care and Dignity: Upholding the rights of older adults to receive compassionate end-of-life care that respects their wishes, values, and dignity.

By convening stakeholders from diverse sectors and regions, this conference aims to foster dialogue, exchange knowledge, and catalyze action towards advancing the human rights agenda for ageing populations.

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The COVID-19 pandemic has starkly highlighted the devastating impact of infectious diseases on vulnerable populations and the fragility of health and social care systems worldwide.  In response, the theme “Immunisation for All Ages” aims to explore strategies and mechanisms to prioritize prevention, ensure universal access, and reduce inequity, with a focus on high-risk populations, including older adults and those with chronic conditions.

Delegates are invited to engage in dialogue to inform intergovernmental agendas and action plans, such as Immunisation Ageing 2030, the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing, the Global Road Map to Defeat Meningitis, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, with a particular emphasis on adult vaccination.

Topics of discussion may include awareness and education campaigns, addressing vaccine hesitancy, system changes to improve immunisation rates, the role of National Immunisation Technical Advisory Groups (NITAGs), vaccine pipelines, and expanded immunisation programs to improve uptake rates of adult vaccination.

By fostering collaboration and sharing best practices, this conference seeks to advance the global agenda for immunisation, ensuring that individuals of all ages have access to life-saving vaccines and contributing to healthier, more resilient communities worldwide.

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Nevertheless, attitudes toward technology among older adults are evolving. Many exhibit a willingness to embrace new technologies, recognizing their potential to improve quality of life. Thus, there is a growing demand for age-friendly design principles prioritizing usability, accessibility, and inclusivity.

To address this intricate puzzle, stakeholders must involve older adults in the design process, provide education to enhance digital literacy, and ensure affordability and accessibility of technology solutions.  By challenging ageist stereotypes and empowering older adults to embrace technology, we can unlock its full potential to enhance their well-being and autonomy.

This conference serves as a platform to explore innovative strategies, share best practices, and foster collaboration in bridging the gap between older adults and technology.  Let us dismantle barriers, embrace inclusivity, and empower older adults to thrive in the digital age.

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Governance mechanisms are vital for ensuring the effective regulation, coordination, and oversight of long-term care services.  By promoting transparency, accountability, and stakeholder engagement, governance frameworks can support the delivery of person-centered care and uphold the dignity of older individuals.

Effective financing mechanisms are essential for ensuring equitable access to quality long-term care services.  Discussions will explore innovative financing models, sustainable funding sources, and strategies for maximizing resource allocation to meet the evolving needs of ageing populations.

The conference also highlights the importance of workforce development in delivering high-quality long-term care.  By investing in training, professional development, and support systems for care workers, we can enhance the capacity and competence of the workforce to provide person-centered care.

Moreover, the theme encourages discussions on service delivery models and innovations that prioritize individual preferences, promote autonomy, and improve the overall well-being of older adults and individuals with capacity challenges.

Through interactive sessions, presentations, and workshops, participants will exchange insights, share best practices, and explore innovative solutions to establish and strengthen long-term care systems uphold the fundamental rights and dignity of all individuals.

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