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Dear colleagues,
The past year has been one of profound transformations, externally across the global landscape in which we work, and internally within our own organization.
The global arena, marked by the erosion of traditional funding to multilateral systems, significant geopolitical realignment, and increased instability affecting every facet of life, has demanded the IFA’s continuous engagement. With the reduction of contributions to the UN and WHO, the international system is shifting, creating new challenges but also opportunities for civil society leadership.
Leadership, Transition, and Stabilization
In 2024–2025, the IFA welcomed our new Secretary General along with a renewed Secretariat leadership team. Together, we have been focused on stabilizing operations, strengthening governance mechanisms, and launching a comprehensive strategic planning process to guide the organization toward 2029. This has occurred while ensuring continuity in our high-value programming and advocacy across key domains including human rights, integrated care, sensory health, adult immunization, age-friendly environments, and caregiving. The Secretariat has worked diligently with partners around the world, ensuring that our voice has remained clear, consistent, and grounded in evidence.
A Strong Global Voice at Key Multilateral Forums
Throughout the year, the IFA has been a consistent and respected presence in critical global discussions. We have maintained our role in supporting the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing, served as a secretariat for the Global Network of Age-friendly Cities and Communities, and advanced both our triennial and quadrennial workplans with WHO and the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs. Our Secretary General addressed the floor at the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha, Qatar, advocating for the inclusion and rights of older persons, along with several key side-event on age-friendly environments, global research agenda on ageing, and the future of work.
One of the most significant milestones of the year was the historic adoption by the UN Human Rights Council of the resolution establishing an intergovernmental working group to draft a new, legally binding instrument on the human rights of older persons. The IFA played an active role in mobilizing civil society voices over the 14 years of the Open Ended Working Group in New York and onto Geneva toward this achievement. One that brings the world closer than ever to a dedicated Convention safeguarding the rights and dignity of older persons. The IFA played an active role in mobilizing civil society voices over the 14 years of the Open Ended Working Group in New York and onto Geneva toward this achievement. One that brings the world closer than ever to a dedicated Convention safeguarding the rights and dignity of older persons.
We also contributed to the UN General Assembly, where the Political Declaration of the fourth high-level meeting of the General Assembly on the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases and the promotion of mental health and well-being was adopted in October. At the High-Level Political Forum, the IFA underscored the intersections between ageing, sustainable development, and global equity and our Representatives to the UN continue to work tirelessly in Vienna, Geneva and New York. Adding to this, our election to the Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations (CoNGO) reaffirmed the IFA’s international standing and strengthened our formal role within the UN system.
The 17th Global Conference: A Testament to Global Community
The IFA’s 17th Global Conference on Ageing in Cape Town, South Africa in September was a powerful gathering of knowledge, leadership, and global commitment. With 572 delegates from 62 countries, the conference showcased the breadth of our network and the diversity of the global ageing community.
The conference was a resounding success in strengthening local and regional conversations on ageing in Africa and around the world. Its outcomes will continue to inform partnerships and programmatic opportunities across regions and advance the well-being of older people around the world.
Our Strategic Plan 2026–2029: A Blueprint for Collective Impact
Over the past year, we have listened carefully through consultations, interviews, surveys, and dialogue. We are building a plan around our mission to drive global intersectoral collaboration on healthy ageing and longevity, with a vision for a future where aging is embraced as a strength. This strategy will be an evolution to strengthen what we do best: connecting evidence to action, bridging policy and practice, and convening multisectoral stakeholders and cross-regional communities that collectively generate meaningful change.
At its core, the IFA is the diverse global membership of organizations and individuals. There is tremendous value in bringing the voice of our powerful network to the world, and the world to the network. To that end, we will also be looking forward to revitalizing our membership model in 2026, deepening channels of communication and engagement, and expanding opportunities to share in the mission of the IFA.
Looking Ahead with Confidence
The IFA is entering this next chapter with clarity and conviction. In the coming months, we will further develop our new strategic and operational plans, strengthen knowledge exchange, and amplify the leadership that exists across our global community.
We do not underestimate the uncertainty ahead. Yet uncertainty can also be a catalyst. With a world searching for solutions to demographic, health, economic, technological, and climate challenges, the IFA offers a trusted space for global collaboration.
Our strength lies in our people: the expertise of our members, the dedication of our staff, the innovation of our partners, and the collective belief that population ageing is an opportunity to design societies that are more inclusive and vibrant.
In this spirit, we look to the future with hope. The IFA will remain a steady, principled, and forward-looking voice on the global stage. Together, we will continue to build momentum, deepen partnerships, and ensure that societies and communities everywhere are prepared for the global demographic shift.
As we approach the end of 2025, we carry with us the lessons of the past and the promise of what’s to come. May this season offer you rest, renewal, and the confidence to imagine new possibilities. And in the coming new year, I invite you to continue alongside us in shaping a world where everyone can age with dignity.
With gratitude and warm regards,
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