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 5th event

"By 2030, 1 in 6 people in the world will be aged 60 years or over. At this time the share of the population aged 60 years and over will increase from 1 billion in 2020 to 1.4 billion. By 2050, the world's population of people aged 60 years and older will double (2.1 billion). The number of persons aged 80 years or older is expected to triple between 2020 and 2050 to reach 426 million."

Increased demographics and urbanism intersect with the right to food for older persons by shaping how to grow and access adequate, nutritious, and affordable food within rapidly changing urban environments. The world’s population is ageing at an unprecedented rate, with the number of older persons projected to surpass that of younger populations in many regions by mid-century. This demographic shift is not merely a statistic, it represents a profound social transformation that challenges how societies organise resources, infrastructure, and rights. As more people live longer, ensuring their well-being and dignity becomes a central concern. Older persons are not a burden but a valuable segment of society whose experience, knowledge, and contributions strengthen communities. Recognizing their rights, particularly in relation to food security, is essential to upholding the principles of equality and human rights for all generations.

Urbanisation further complicates this dynamic, as cities expand rapidly and resources become increasingly strained. While urban areas can offer better access to services, they often fail to meet the specific needs of older persons, especially those living on fixed incomes or in marginalized neighbourhoods. Likewise, limited access to affordable, nutritious food, inadequate transportation, and unsafe living conditions can exacerbate isolation and malnutrition among older populations. Sustainable urban planning must therefore integrate age-friendly principles, ensuring that food systems, public spaces, and social services are inclusive and accessible to people of all ages. Building such environments benefits not only older residents but also creates more resilient and equitable cities for everyone.

The right to food is a fundamental human right that does not diminish with age. Yet many older persons face barriers that prevent them from enjoying this right fully, ranging from economic insecurity and rising food prices to physical or social limitations that restrict access to healthy meals. Policymakers, communities, and families must work together to promote food justice and nutritional security for older persons. This means supporting local food initiatives, ensuring access to social protection programmes, and recognising that adequate nutrition is vital to maintaining health, independence, and dignity in later life. Addressing the intersection of demographic change, urbanism, and the right to food is not just about caring for the elderly —it is about building societies that value and protect all stages of life.

This fifth event will take place on Thursday, at 09:30 NY/ 15:30 CET, on the 13th of November, 2025.