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Welcome to your quarterly Age-friendly World newsletter! |
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With the WHO Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities continuing to grow in numbers, activities and ambition, it’s hard to believe we’re only just halfway through 2025.
Since our last newsletter, we’ve welcomed 40 new cities and communities into the Global Network, representing over 40 million more people covered. We’ve also welcomed three new Affiliates committed to supporting the Global Network (read more about them below).
But all this is for creating a world where every person lives in a great place to grow, live, work, play and age. However, our world has changed rapidly since the Global Network was established in 2010. Learning all we can from what we’ve all accomplished so far as a Global Network, how should we evolve and adapt as we look to the future? |
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That’s why we’re thrilled that the 3rd World Congress of Age-friendly Cities and Communities is taking place next year, from 16–18 June 2026 in Donostia / San Sebastián, Spain. This World Congress is not only a chance to reconnect in-person to exchange greetings, learnings, contacts and new ideas. It’s also an opportunity to come together to re-envision what we want to achieve together – and how to work together to bring that vision into reality.
So in this newsletter, we’ve tried to highlight how we can harness the power of connection to not only grow stronger as a Global Network, but also to make our cities and communities better places to grow older. It’s through the strength of our connections that we can make great things happen – so read on, and don’t forget to save the date for the World Congress!
Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities – Secretariat
World Health Organization |
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Member in Focus: Donostia / San Sebastián, Spain |
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Donostia / San Sebastián is the host city of the 3rd World Congress of Age-friendly Cities and Communities. The World Congress is being organised by IMSERSO, the Institute for Seniors and Social Services (Spain), a Global Network Affiliate, in collaboration with the Basque Government. The event is co-sponsored by the World Health Organization.
Did you know that Donostia / San Sebastián was the first city in Spain to join the Global Network in 2009, working constantly towards its vision of “a city for all its citizens, where they may develop their potential and enjoy a high quality of life“?
Please join us in congratulating Donostia / San Sebastián for their support of this important opportunity to strengthen the Global Network’s work to inspire, connect and support cities and communities in their journey to become more age-friendly!
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Age-friendly Practice in Focus: Age Friendly Vale Connection Cafe (Vale of Glamorgan, Wales, United Kingdom) |
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For this newsletter issue, we’re putting the spotlight on the Age Friendly Vale Connection Cafe, an age-friendly practice run by the Vale of Glamorgan (Wales, United Kingdom).
Over 50 partners came together for the Vale of Glamorgan’s first ever age-friendly networking event. The event created a space for community groups, local service providers, charities, third sector organisations and older people themselves to come together for a stronger, more connected community that can make a positive difference for older people.
The Age Friendly Vale Connection Cafe is a reminder that connections matter and help transform, no matter at what scale – whether we’re talking about something international like a World Congress or a more local community building effort. And the Global Network is here to support you in making those connections! Congratulations to the team at the Vale of Glamorgan. |
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A big welcome to our three new Affiliates! |
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We’re excited to announce that three new Affiliates have recently joined the Global Network: the Government of the state of Paraná (Brazil), HelpAge International, and the International Longevity Centre Global Alliance. Please join us in welcoming our new Affiliates to our age-friendly family!
The state of Paraná is located in southern Brazil, with a population of over 11 million inhabitants spread across 399 municipalities. In 2023, the State Secretariat for Women, Racial Equality, and Older People was created in Paraná, which is now responsible for policies to guarantee the rights of older people. Becoming a Global Network Affiliate is a natural step in their efforts to support their municipalities to become more age-friendly.
HelpAge International is a global network of organisations focused on improving the lives of older people, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. HelpAge aims to promote a society for all ages to ensure all people can participate actively in their communities as they grow older – a perfect fit with the Global Network’s vision to create an age-friendly world, one city and community at a time.
The International Longevity Centre Global Alliance works to help societies address longevity and population ageing in positive and productive ways, by developing ideas, undertaking research and creating forums for debate and action, in which older people are key stakeholders. With centres in 16 countries around the world, the ILC Alliance’s international reach has strong synergies with how the Global Network aims to connect cities and communities from around the world for mutual learning and exchange. |
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The International Federation on Ageing's 17th Global Conference on Ageing |
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The International Federation on Ageing is pleased to invite you to the 17th Global Conference on Ageing from 9-12 September 2025. Join global leaders, researchers, practitioners, and advocates in Cape Town, South Africa for this landmark event focusing on evidence-based policy and practice in ageing.
The conference will also feature a Collaborative Age-friendly Summit: an opportunity to learn from global leaders, and participate in discussions and networking events toward expanding the Global Network. Register now for an opportunity to connect with peers around the world. |
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Age-friendly Futures Summit (Centre for Ageing Better, UK) |
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The Age-friendly Futures Summit in Manchester, organised and hosted by WHO in March 2025 in partnership with The University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, the Centre for Ageing Better, and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, brought stakeholders together to examine age-friendly initiatives and how research can drive action by collaborating with policymakers and older citizens to enhance urban environments for ageing.
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Updates from the Network Secretariat |
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Learn more about social isolation and loneliness in the WHO Commission on Social Connection’s flagship report |
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Did you know that 1 in 6 people globally report feeling lonely and that loneliness causes 871,000 deaths each year? But there’s also good news – there are promising strategies to address loneliness and social isolation, including at city and community levels.
The WHO Commission on Social Connection’s recently published flagship report highlights that social isolation and loneliness are widespread, with serious but under-recognized impacts on health, well-being, and society. Drawing on the latest evidence, the report makes a compelling case for urgent action, but it also outlines practical, scalable solutions to strengthen social connection.
Age-friendly cities and communities have an important role to play in creating a more socially connected world. Explore the report or its plain language summary to learn about concrete ways local governments can act to harness the power of connection for better health and well-being for all. |
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UNITAR and WHO Foster Human Rights Advancement Through Age-Friendly Environments
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Reflecting UN efforts to advance knowledge on ageing, Dr. Thiago Hérick de Sá from WHO shared inspiring insights on age-friendly environments as a special guest in the framework of the “Expert in Human Rights Programme”.
Organized by UNITAR, the Saudi Human Rights Commission, Majmaah University, and CIFAL Saudi Arabia, this unique Programme aims to strengthen the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of professionals across sectors on Human Rights. |
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Age-friendly World is a World Health Organization website dedicated to promoting age-friendliness around the world. The World Health Organization Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities (GNAFCC) is a global coalition of cities and communities committed to becoming more age-friendly.
Submit your news on Age-friendly World or get in touch with us at gnafcc@who.int. |
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