General Scenario for the whole series

The Virtual Roundtable Series “Mainstreaming Knowledge on Ageing” began in 2022, bringing together partners and participants to assess the state of ageing and the human rights of older persons in its first year. The second year focused on access to justice, labor markets, political participation, healthcare, social services, and cultural and leisure activities. Last year, the series addressed the quality of life for older persons. This year's series will be the opportunity to learn on advancing the human rights of older persons in times of converging crises. We will address critical issues affecting older persons, including their right to work, healthcare, technology, legal protection, and food security in times of peace and war.

The human rights of older persons and frontier issues, such as the demographic worldwide scenario, gender, human mobility, digital divide, and climate change, will continue as the heart of our discussions. 

In our series, we consider national, regional, and international standards, as well as public policies, programs, and other initiatives as key learning elements. In the same vein, we envisage that heightening awareness of ICT/digital accessibility implementation from design is relevant to better understand how older persons can benefit from digital products and services as means to actively participate in political, cultural, and socio economic activities. By involving diverse stakeholders as co-sponsors, experts, speakers, and attendees, we aim to enhance discussions and build stronger synergies towards achieving our common goal.

In this endeavour, UNITAR and its International Training Centres for Authorities and Leaders -CIFAL Global Network-, UNDESA, UNFPA, IOM, UNWOMEN, UNHCR, WHO, OHCHR, ITU and ILO; together with the Group of Friends of the Human Rights of Older Persons UN Geneva; the Global Initiative on Ageing Foundation, GIA; the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuses; the International Longevity Centre; and the NGO Committee on Ageing Geneva; and the Harvard Law School Project on Disability, have joined efforts to put together this initiative as a contribution to inclusive learning in the framework of the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing.

Background of the 4th event

Accountability and redress are essential pillars in upholding the rights and dignity of older persons, who are highly exposed to intersectional discrimination that can deepen their vulnerability. They experience ageism as well as discrimination based on gender, disability, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, religion or belief, as well as other identity or background factors. In today’s increasingly digital world, the lack of knowledge and access to technologies further exacerbates these inequalities, often excluding older persons from essential services, information, and opportunities. These intersecting inequalities compound their vulnerability, making it harder for them to access justice, healthcare, employment, or social participation, among other challenges. Recognizing these complex realities is the first step toward ensuring that every older person is treated with fairness, respect, and equality.

When systems fail to hold perpetrators or institutions accountable, intersectional discrimination against older persons becomes normalized and invisible. In this regard, effective accountability mechanisms, including transparent investigations, fair legal processes, and accessible complaint systems, affirm that their rights are not optional but fundamental. They send a clear message that society values every stage of life and that no one should be marginalized because multiple aspects of their identity, including limited digital literacy, intersect to place them at a disadvantage.

Redress is not only about justice after harm; it is also about restoring dignity, rebuilding trust, and preventing future violations. Providing remedies, whether legal, social, or financial, empowers older persons to reclaim agency over their lives and strengthens the social fabric that connects generations. Ensuring accountability and redress in cases of intersectional discrimination is, ultimately, an expression of shared humanity: it demonstrates a collective commitment to equity, empathy, and the full inclusion of all people, regardless of age or identity or digital ability.

This fourth event will take place on Thursday, at 09:30 NY/ 15:30 CET, on the 16th of October, 2025.