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Save the Date! 3rd World Congress of Age-friendly Cities and Communities (16–18 June 2026)

On the far right, Mayte Sancho, Director General of Imserso, alongside representatives of the Basque Government, during the announcement of the 3rd World Congress.

Join the launch of the WHO Commission on Social Connection's flagship report (30 June 2025)

DATE: 30 June 2025 (Monday)
TIME: 15:00–16:30 CET (find your time zone)
FORMAT: Hybrid, with online participation via Zoom

Anyone, anywhere, can be lonely or socially isolated. But in the last decade, science has transformed our understanding of how important social connection is for our health and well-being.

The WHO Commission on Social Connection (2024–2026) was set up to see the issue recognised and resourced as a global public health priority. The Commission is now ready to publish their flagship report, which:

1) Explains what we know about social connection, isolation, and loneliness – how big the problem is, what causes it, and how it affects us

2) Identifies solutions that work – like public awareness campaigns, national policies, community programmes, and ways we can build stronger relationships

3) Offers a practical way forward with clear steps to help governments tackle social isolation and loneliness and support people around the world to feel more connected

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Age-friendly cities and communities have a critical role to play in creating a more socially connected world. Join us to learn more about how we can harness the #PowerOfConnection together to transform communities and societies across the globe.

Help WHO protect older people during health emergencies: Share your best practices by 30 June

During health crises like COVID-19 and Ebola, strategies like physical distancing and lockdowns – what we call public health and social measures (PHSM) – are essential to control the spread of disease.

However, these measures can also unintentionally cause negative impacts on older people (like social isolation, interruptions in receiving care and financial hardship). 

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WHO is looking for examples of community-led practices that help address the unintended negative consequences of public health and social measures.

Can you help us support communities to better protect older people in future health emergencies? Please share your best practices with us here:

🔗 https://extranet.who.int/agefriendlyworld/submit-afp/
⏰ Submissions close by 30 June 2025

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What are some examples of what we’re looking for?

• Peer-run hotlines to support isolated older adults
• Community transport for medical appointments during lockdowns
• Local delivery of food and medication
• Safe spaces or shelters for older people at risk
• Mental health or emotional support networks

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💡 Submitted practices that are approved for publication will be featured in a special collection on the WHO Global Database of Age-friendly Practices and the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing knowledge Platform.

This initiative is run by the WHO Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities, in collaboration with the WHO Health Emergencies Programme.

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.