DATE: 18 April 2024
TIME: 14:30–15:40 CET

The right to have a say in public decisions, access to public goods and services and the right to vote are largely taken for granted today. At the same time, older people in many countries face obstacles to exercise their civil and political rights. Age discrimination is one of the factors. 

With the adoption of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (MIPAA) by the United Nations (UN) in 2002, governments committed themselves to guaranteeing older people the full enjoyment of their civil and political rights. In 2022, countries of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) reaffirmed their commitment in a ministerial declaration. 

Such commitments are important, but how are they implemented at national and local level? This online event will present examples of how older people exercise their right to civil and political participation and how they participate in public decision-making processes in their immediate living environment. 

The online event is part of the series "An engaged civil society as engine for an age-friendly society: an international exchange". The first event focussed on the voice of older people at the United Nations. As part of the series, which consists of six online events until the end of 2026, representatives of civil society will have the opportunity to exchange with non-governmental organisations from countries in the UNECE region and find out about international agreements and developments.

The event will be held in English and German, with simultaneous interpretation. Participation in the event is free of charge.