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. The third year addressed the quality of life for older persons. The fourth year series covered the human rights of older persons in times of converging crises. This year series will be the opportunity to learn on advancing the human rights of older persons from the security perspective under the following clusters: for legal protection, economic and employment security, political and civic security, health and Social Security, Cultural, Recreational, and Digital Security.

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 2nd event

For millions of older persons around the world, economic and employment security is not merely a matter of income but also of dignity, autonomy, and inclusion. As populations age and life expectancy increases, many individuals continue to contribute to their families, communities, and economies well beyond traditional retirement ages. Yet too many face age-based discrimination in hiring, retention, training, and career advancement, while others lack adequate social protection, decent working conditions, or opportunities to adapt their skills to changing labour markets. These barriers not only undermine individual well-being but also deprive societies of the valuable experience, knowledge, and contributions that older persons bring.

Building inclusive and resilient societies requires a life-course approach that recognises the right of every person to economic security and decent work at all ages. Promoting fair employment conditions, lifelong learning, and access to sustainable livelihoods is essential to ensuring that older persons remain economically
secure, socially connected, and empowered to make choices about their lives. At a time of profound demographic, technological, and economic transformation, strengthening financial resilience in later life is both a human rights imperative and a development necessity. By identifying effective strategies and sharing promising practices, this discussion seeks to advance policies and actions that enable people to age with security, opportunity, and dignity, while fostering more equitable and age-inclusive labour markets.

Raising awareness and strengthening capacities are critical to advancing economic and employment security for older persons. Persistent stereotypes and misconceptions about ageing continue to influence policies, workplaces, and societal attitudes, often limiting opportunities for older workers and undermining their rights.
Building knowledge among different stakeholders, and older persons themselves can help foster more age-inclusive environments, promote evidence-based decision-making, and support the development of effective policies and programmes.

This second event will take place on Thursday, at 09:30 NY/ 15:30 CEST, on the 25th of June, 2026.