General Scenario for the whole series

Since the Virtual Roundtable Series “Mainstreaming Knowledge on Ageing” started in 2022, the partners and participants have successfully taken stock on the current scenario of ageing and the human rights of older persons in the first year, and on access to justice, labor markets, political participation, health and social care services, as well as cultural and leisure activities in the second year.

This year, the series will be focused on quality of life for older persons. This initiative is aligned with the efforts envisaged at “Our Common Agenda” to strengthen and accelerate multilateral agreements, particularly the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, towards making a tangible difference in people’s lives; in the same vein, it considers relevant aspects on the protection of the human rights of older persons.

In our series, we view national, regional, and international standards, as well as public policies, programs, and other initiatives as key learning elements. In the same vein, we consider that heightening awareness of ICT/digital accessibility implementation from design is relevant to better understand how older persons can benefit from digital products and services as means to actively participate in political, cultural, and socio economic activities. By involving diverse stakeholders as co-sponsors, experts, speakers, and attendees, we aim to enhance discussions and build stronger synergies towards achieving our common goal.

The human rights of older persons and frontier issues, such as the demographic worldwide scenario, gender, human mobility, digital divide, and climate change, will continue as the heart of our discussions.

In this endeavour, UNITAR and its International Training Centres for Authorities and Leaders -CIFAL Global Network-, UNDESA, UNFPA, IOM, UNWOMEN, UNHCR, WHO, OHCHR, ITU and ILO; together with the Group of Friends of the Human Rights of Older Persons UN Geneva; the Global Initiative on Ageing Foundation, GIA; the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuses; the International Longevity Centre; and the NGO Committee on Ageing Geneva; and the Harvard Law School Project on Disability, have joined efforts to put together this initiative as a contribution to inclusive learning in the framework of the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing.

Background of the 1st event

Including the perspective and needs of older persons in multilateral agreements and policies is crucial for promoting and protecting their human rights. It acknowledges their agency and autonomy, allowing them to actively engage in shaping the policies that affect their lives.

They can contribute through their unique perspectives and experiences to the development and implementation of laws and policies; they can help to identify potential barriers or challenges and advance more effective strategies for implementation. Furthermore, taking into account their views , enhances the legitimacy, effectiveness, and inclusivity of different processes, leading to better outcomes for all members of society. In the same vein, their participation in fora focused on making visible and overcoming problems of ageism, together with gender and other forms of discrimination, as well as the intergenerational divide, which have increased due to variousfrontier issues, in particular new technologies, human mobility, and climate change, ensures that their voices are heard and their needs are considered, leading to more representative decision-making processes.

Likewise, it fosters a sense of social cohesión, cooperation, and solidarity across generation while recognizing their contributions, ultimately leads to more effective, and responsive policies that benefit all. In this regard, there are ongoing processes at the multilateral level are taking place as part of the efforts to promote and advance the older persons’ agenda. Learning about their key aspects and their latest progresses is important to raise awareness and empower participants to take further action.

This first event, will take place on Thursday, at 09:30 NY/ 15:30 CET, on the 30th of May, 2024.