Ferdinando Petrazzuoli, WONCA Europe (WE) member at-large, participated in this virtual event Stakeholder engagement for Strategy Developing on Ageing- Civil societies and non-States actors in direct relation with the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe (WHO Europe).
The virtual event, held on 27 May 2025, from 10:00-12:00 CEST, was organized by WHO Europe to discuss the WHO European Strategy on Ageing is Living: Promoting a Lifetime of Health and Well-being (2026-2030). The agenda focused on shaping the future of healthy ageing through innovation, collaboration and strategic planning.
Agenda Highlights
Welcome Session
Moderators Yongjie Yon and Svenja Herrmann introduced the vision, process, and innovation behind WHO’s regional strategy on aging. Natasha Azzopardi Muscat, Director of Country Health Policies and Systems at WHO Europe, delivered the opening remarks.
Keynote Presentations
Ivan Bautmans, Head of Gerontology and Frailty in Ageing Research at Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium, presented on reorienting the public health approach to achieve healthy longevity.
Video Presentation
A short video titled Ageing is Living: Perspectives on Ageing was showcased, providing insights into diverse perspectives on ageing.
Lighting Speakers Session
Moderators Yongjie Yon and Svenja Herrmann facilitated a session featuring perspectives from civil societies, non-state actors, and the UN.
Speakers included:
Maciej Kucharczyk, Secretary General, Age Platform Europe
Erica Bol, Foresight Policy Officer, EU Policy Lab, European Commission
Martin Lichte, European Social Network
Chitralekha Marie Massey, Chief, The Rights of Older Persons Section, Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
Breakout Sessions Introduction A brief introduction to the breakout discussions was provided and during the Breakout session participants engaged in focused discussions on 4 key topics:
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Promoting Health and Well-being
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Creating Age-Friendly Environments
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Expanding Access to Long-Term Care
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Addressing Ageism and Promoting Inclusion
The event successfully brought together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss strategies for healthy ageing in Europe. The breakout sessions allowed for in-depth exploration of critical topics, fostering collaboration and innovation in addressing the challenges and opportunities of ageing populations.