NGO Committee on Ageing, Geneva Switzerland

01/08/2025

The Helpage Global Network and partners call on Member States and the UN to place older people and population ageing at the heart of the Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD2). In the face of a rapidly ageing global population, growing inequalities, and fragile social systems, the WSSD2 is a critical moment to reaffirm global commitments to social justice. Older people, particularly those in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), face systemic discrimination, inadequate income security, and limited access to health and care, all of which must be urgently addressed to ensure no one is left behind.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OqKGBe1g5XyWIxsmY7fvkl5tlVxjeSP6/view?usp=drive_link

The paper urges bold, accountable action to recognise ageing as a defining global trend with profound social and economic implications and to promote inclusive policies that guarantee human rights for people of all ages. Key recommendations include expanding universal pensions, ensuring access to quality health and care and long-terco care, tackling ageism, prioritising gender equality, and securing older people's participation in economic and social life. By embracing an intergenerational approach and centering ageing and demographic shifts as part of the summit, the WSSD2 can drive lasting progress toward global social justice and sustainable development for present and future generations.

28/07/2025

IDOP 2025 | Geneva | 26 September – Save the Date

27/07/2025

‘HEALTH IS A HUMAN RIGHT,’ not a privilege.
Everyone deserves access to safe, dignified, culturally sensitive & affordable care.

27/07/2025

𝑬𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝙬𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣 in every part of the world needs to know she has a right to make her own decisions about her body, life, and future.

Share if you agree!

UNFPA

09/07/2025

It was a real pleasure to take part in WSIS+20. Our session, “Strategies for a Multigenerational Workforce in the Age of Longevity”—curated by CSEND—was well received and sparked meaningful post-event discussions on how digital innovation can support age-inclusive workplaces.
We explored how digital innovation can bridge generations in the workplace and beyond. From e-learning and mentoring platforms to inclusive HR strategies and ISO 25550, we saw how organisations are rethinking age diversity as a strength—not a challenge.
The exchanges were so stimulating that we’re now turning the concept into a full article. Stay tuned—multigenerational digital collaboration is more than a response to demographic change; it’s a strategic key to sustainability.

03/07/2025

Happy 10th Anniversary to the International Gender Champions Network!

Today, I had the pleasure of joining the celebration of a decade of bold leadership and transformative action for gender equality at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. As a proud Gender Champion, I couldn’t agree more with the vision that brought us together ten years ago: breaking down barriers and making gender equality a working reality, wherever we are.

From policy reforms to inclusive innovation, the IGC has proven that when leaders unite with purpose, change happens. It was truly inspiring to stand alongside fellow Champions, hear from Tatiana Valovaya, Arancha González, and the IGC co-founders, and reflect on how far we've come—and how much further we can go.
I am personally committed to advancing gender equality in all its dimensions.
As I always say: “Do not only practice gender equality consciously until you get it right, practice it until unconsciously you cannot get it wrong.”

I proudly support the IGC Panel Parity Pledge and the IGC Gender-Based Violence Pledge.

My individual commitments in 2025 focus on:
• Championing Gender Equality and the Rights of Older Women at the Second World Summit on Social Development
• Ensuring Gender Equality in the Drafting and Consideration of Older Persons' Rights at the Human Rights Council 2025

Here’s to strengthening our collective momentum and lighting the path for a more inclusive and just future.

17/06/2025

Join us for
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2025
🗓️ “Addressing Abuse of Older Persons in Institutions”
Abuse in care settings is one of the most hidden human rights violations.
📅 19 June 2025, 12:00–13:00
📍 Room XXVII, Palais des Nations (HRC59)

🌐 Online participation (no registration):
https://ungeneva-vc.webex.com/ungeneva-vc/j.php?MTID=ma09cfe50341aaf96cb7d5412b8ea7670
📄 Flyer:https://rightsofolderpeople.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/WEAAD_2025_FLYER1.pdf
📘 Concept note:https://rightsofolderpeople.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/WEAAD-2025-CN.pdf

09/06/2025

Join the 2025 World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) virtual commemoration focused on addressing abuse of older adults in long-term care facilities. Experts from the UN, academia, and civil society will share insights and data to drive change.

📌 Let’s act to protect dignity and rights in institutional care.
🔗 Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/_SCRKOleT6ScGJCTnhL58Q

03/04/2025

🌍 𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐖𝐢𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐎𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐬' 𝐑𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬!

On April 3, 2025, the United Nations Human Rights Council adopted a landmark resolution, establishing a new intergovernmental working group to draft an international legally binding instrument (UN convention) on the human rights of older persons. This resolution highlights a global commitment to promote and protect the human rights of older persons.

Historical moment: After the UN General Assembly concluded the work of the Open-Ended Working Group on Ageing, which throughout 14 years of work highlighted substantial gaps in the protection of older persons' rights, the Human Rights Council mandate to draft a legally binding instrument. The resolution adopted at the HRC58 today, driven by a core group of nations including Argentina, Brazil, The Gambia, the Philippines, and Slovenia, received very strong support from sixty-eight cosponsoring countries, including thirty-three members of the Human Rights Council.

Today’s resolution not only paves the way for a new convention but also sets an historical milestone in the promotions of older persons' human rights worldwide.

Significant Contribution of NGOs: The Global Alliance for the Rights of Older Persons and the NGO Committee on Ageing in Geneva ably organised and coordinated the advocacy at the 58th session of the HRC. Many organisations such as Age International, AARP, Age Platform Europe, BAGSO, the International Federation on Ageing, HelpAge International, The International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse, The International Longevity Centre Global Alliance, Soroptimist International and many others were present in Geneva in person and online. NGOs have been instrumental in advocating for a Convention and the drafting of this resolution. Their relentless efforts, including delivering multiple statements, hosting a side event and participating in the informal negotiations, have been key in mobilizing support, raising awareness, and influencing discussions at the UN.

The newly adopted resolution establishes a working group that will negotiate and draft, a legally binding instrument enshrining older persons’ rights into international law.

Next Steps: With the resolution now in place, the focus shifts to the consultation and drafting under the continued guidance and contribution of the Core Group of the resolution, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons. Civil society organizations will meaningfully engage and play a crucial role in this process providing expertise and advocacy. This historic development will influence parallel and future international discussions, including the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing and the upcoming Social Summit in Qatar, shaping broader human rights and social policy frameworks.

17/03/2025

Dear all,

On March 13, 2025, older people from Africa, Asia, Latin America and Europe participated in a side event of the Human Rights Council’s 58th session. They shared their experiences, reflected on the progress made, and underscored the importance of continuing the work that has already been achieved. Attendees heard about the advocacy journey of these older campaigners, the challenges they have faced, and why they are calling for a new UN convention that could meaningfully improve the lives of older people in their regions. Our very own Chair, Alejandro Bonilla Garcia, provided his insightful remarks as well.

The side event was recorded, and we are pleased to share the YouTube recording here with you all.

Side event of the 58th Session of the Human Rights CouncilOn March 13, 2025, older people from Africa, Asia, Latin America and Europe participated in a side ...

18/12/2024

We hope this post finds you well. Our Chair, Alejandro Bonilla Garcia, would like to share a few words with everyone as 2024 comes to a close.

Best Wishes,
The NGO Committee on Ageing Geneva

10/10/2024

Thank you to everyone who joined our pivotal discussion on advancing the rights of older persons! The interventions from all panellists were profound and straightforward, emphasizing the importance of continuing our efforts in Geneva towards an international binding instrument.
Celebrations complemented this event in New York and Vienna.

Missed the live discussions?
Catch all the recordings at https://ageingcommitteegeneva.org/ to see the critical conversations that unfolded.