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 3rd event

Scientific and technological advancements are transforming every aspect of modern life, from healthcare innovations and artificial intelligence to digital communications and smart infrastructure.

While these developments hold immense potential to improve the quality of life, older persons often face systemic barriers that prevent them from fully exercising their right to enjoy the benefits of scientific progress and its applications, as recognized in international human rights law.

Barriers include limited digital literacy, inadequate access to devices and connectivity, and age-related challenges in adapting to rapidly evolving tools. Socioeconomic disparities, inaccessible design, and ageism in technology deployment further compound the problem. Without intentional inclusion, older persons risk being left behind in an increasingly digital society, excluded from opportunities for lifelong learning, telemedicine, online participation, and social connectivity.

Ensuring equitable access to scientific advancements and digital technologies is not only a matter of innovation policy but a matter of rights, dignity, and intergenerational solidarity. In this regard, this roundtable will bring together experts, policymakers, civil society, and older persons themselves to discuss pathways for inclusion, identify existing gaps, and promote concrete strategies that bridge the digital divide.

This third event, will take place on Wednesday, at 09:30 NY/ 15:30 CET, on the 10th of September, 2025.