NGO Committee on Ageing, Geneva Switzerland

18/12/2025

Dear Members and Friends,

As this year draws to a close—each of us according to our own traditions and calendars—we pause to reflect on what unites our diverse community: the shared belief that human rights apply at every age and throughout the life course.

In a world marked by uncertainty and rapid change, older persons continue to remind us of a simple truth: societies are strongest when every generation is valued, protected, and heard.

This year, the global movement for a United Nations Convention on the Rights of Older Persons has reached a historic turning point. What once seemed a distant aspiration is now a collective responsibility—and a growing reality.

We express our deepest appreciation for your engagement, your advocacy, and your unwavering commitment.

Together, we are shaping a future in which human rights are upheld across the entire life course.

With warm regards and sincere appreciation,

NGO Committee on Ageing (Geneva)

04/12/2025

Muchísimas gracias a IMSERSO por la oportunidad de esta entrevista y, sobre todo, por su valiosa labor en favor de las personas mayores y su apoyo al proceso internacional que deberá conducir a una Convención sobre los Derechos de las Personas Mayores.
Pueden conocer más sobre su trabajo en su página web: https://imserso.es
Y comparto con gusto el enlace a la entrevista:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Ff-1vny_6xI

El ciclo de videoentrevistas con motivo de la Convención Internacional de los Derechos Humanos de las Personas Mayores, cuenta con la presencia de este mes d...

10/11/2025

Congratulations to DESA and to Amal Abou Rafeh for the excellent work and the outstanding success of the World Social Summit 2025 (WSS2) — from every perspective, but in particular for bringing forward the rights of older persons, their inclusion in development, and the fight against ageism.

While WSS2 was a highly technical and policy-driven gathering, it was also a deeply human one — a space where our “Older Persons Armada” could work together, share experiences, and strengthen our collaboration to advance the process in Geneva towards the adoption of a UN Convention on the Rights of Older Persons.

10/11/2025

We are pleased to share the first in a series of short testimonials recorded by participants who attended the World Social Summit (WSS2) last week in Doha, Qatar.

Here is the message from Claudia Mahler, UN Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons:
🎥 https://bit.ly/Claudia_Mahler_WSS2_DOHA_QATAR_2025

These reflections highlight the importance of promoting the rights of older persons, their inclusion in all dimensions of development, and the fight against ageism.

Additional testimonials from WSS2 participants will follow in the coming days, reflecting a diversity of perspectives and key takeaways from this important global gathering.

Ms. Claudia Mahler, Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons, reflects on the WSS2 that took place in Doha, Qatar from 4 to 6...

05/11/2025

Ageing – A Time for Justice and Cohesion: Advancing the Well-being and Rights of Older Persons

A joint publication by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the United Nations Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD), distributed at the Second World Summit for Social Development (WSS2) in Doha.

It reminds us that ageing is not only a demographic or economic issue — it is a profound question of justice, equality, and human rights, central to building cohesive and inclusive societies for all generations.

📄 You can read it here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/18hYa0vNt8LMqgQTNJJGVAHK6cokeRLG_/view

📘 A more in-depth version will be available as of January 2026 at:
www.ohchr.org/publications

04/11/2025

Global commitment renewed in Doha! Today, at the Second World Summit for Social Development (WSS2), world leaders adopted the Doha Political Declaration — reaffirming that social development is essential for justice, equality, and inclusion. The Declaration acknowledges population ageing and calls for social policies adapted to all people at all ages, with special attention to older persons and youth. It also emphasizes the full and meaningful participation of older persons in all aspects of life and the need to combat discrimination and inequality they face.

📍 Adopted today in Doha — 4 November 2025
📖 Read the full Declaration:
👉 https://social.desa.un.org/world-summit-2025/news/world-leaders-adopt-doha-declaration-to-boost-efforts-on-social-development

03/11/2025

Around the world, older persons and their advocates are raising their voices to ensure that the promise of rights and social development includes everyone — at every age.

These short statements were recorded ahead of the Second World Social Summit, capturing hopes, priorities, and a shared vision for a future where longevity is recognized as a collective achievement — a future grounded in human rights, dignity, and inclusion for all generations.

Claudia Mahler
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons
https://youtu.be/hnQgc5A-lMM

Jack Kupferman
Co Focal Point, Stakeholder
Group on Ageing
https://youtu.be/9vcpVvo5xfQ


Heidrun Mollenkopf
BAGSO & AGE Platfom Europe
Board Member & AGE President
https://youtu.be/sP-iRp0HyhE

Gregor Sneddon
Secretary General
International Federation on Ageing
https://youtu.be/6s2_PoNzR1w


Silvia Perel-Levin
Vice-Chair of the NGO Committee on
Ageing (Geneva) & Representative of INPEA
& The International Longevity
Centre Global Alliance
https://youtu.be/n6mDXyItPMc


Kahir Lalji
CEO
HelpAge Canada
https://youtu.be/ynp8rcFgyhQ

Margaret Young
Founder
AgeKnoble
https://youtu.be/7s695BjTSV0

Alejandro Bonilla Garcia
Chair of the NGO Committee on
Ageing (Geneva)
Representative of IFA to the UN
https://youtu.be/kPQK9efbgIM


James Dugbah
Stakeholder Group on Ageing
SGA - Africa
https://youtu.be/kVbsexiiK7Q


Arunima Himawan
Senior Health Policy and Research Manager, International Longevity Centre UK
https://youtu.be/xrgP75sfmkg

Himanshu Rath
Founder
AgeWell Foundation
https://youtu.be/GywjtHtxjuQ

16/10/2025

Yesterday’s session, “Peace Dialogue – Participation and Inclusivity in Peacebuilding: Linking Geneva and New York through Civil Society, Older Persons and Water Diplomacy,” was truly inspiring and thought-provoking.
All interventions were highly relevant and contributed to an enriching discussion on inclusive approaches to peacebuilding. I would like to highlight in particular the insightful intervention of Ambassador Anita Pipan of Slovenia and that of Silvia Perel-Levin, Vice-Chair of the NGO Committee on Ageing (Geneva), who brought a strong perspective on the role of older persons and civil society in advancing peace and dialogue.
As soon as the recording of the session is made available by the organizers of Geneva Peace Week, we will be pleased to share the link accordingly.
Events like this remind us how essential it is to connect generations, regions, and experiences to build lasting peace.
https://www.genevapeaceweek.ch/en/programme/peace-dialogue-participation-and-inclusivity-in-peacebuilding-linking-geneva-and-new-york-through-civil-society-older-persons-and-water-diplomacy?utm_source=chatgpt.com

09/10/2025

Celebrating 70 years of AAFI-AFICS
It was a great honour to participate in the General Assembly of AAFI-AFICS, marking seven decades of the Association of Former International Civil Servants in Geneva.
As a member of the Staff Union Section of Former Officials of the ILO — and in my capacities as Chair of the NGO Committee on Ageing (Geneva) and Representative of the International Federation on Ageing (IFA) to the United Nations — I was pleased to contribute a thematic presentation on the recent Human Rights Council Resolution 58/13, which establishes a formal intergovernmental process to elaborate a UN Convention on the Human Rights of Older Persons.
This historic step reaffirms that older persons are not a vulnerable group, but rights holders, contributors to society, and agents of change.
Congratulations to AAFI-AFICS on its 70th anniversary and continued commitment to the values of the UN family.

07/10/2025

📢 AGE's Secretary General Maciej J. Kucharczyk will join an evening panel on “𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁” during the final stakeholder conference of the FutuRes Policy Lab – Towards a Resilient Future of Europe project.

📅 Tuesday, 4 November 2025 | 🕕 18:00 (CEST)
📍 Brussels, Belgium

Europe is ageing and demographic change will put pressure on care networks systems, pensions, and solidarity across generations. Will we unite to support each other, or grow more divided?

Don’t miss this chance to explore how policy can prepare all generations for the future. Don’t miss it! 💬

We are looking forward to welcoming you! The event is free. Registration required. Register here: https://www.age-platform.eu/event/panel-discussion-the-new-intergenerational-contract-social-policy-for-europes-demographic-transition/

Organised by Population Europe and AGE Platform Europe

06/10/2025

It was an honour for the NGO Committee on Ageing (Geneva) to participate in the side event “Active Ageing: Ensuring the Full Enjoyment of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights of Older Persons”, held on 29 September 2025 during the 60th session of the Human Rights Council at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.

The event provided an important space to highlight the persistent protection gaps in international law and the pressing need for a dedicated, legally binding instrument to uphold the rights of older persons—especially in the economic, social and cultural domains. It was also an opportunity to reflect on the significant contributions of the UN Independent Expert’s mandate and the potential of the newly established intergovernmental process to develop such a convention.

Our sincere thanks to the co-organizers — the Permanent Missions of Italy, Slovenia, Ecuador, and Thailand — for convening this timely and impactful event.