A WHO dialogue marking the UN International Day of Older Persons 2026
Registration here to join WHO webinar on the UN International Day of Older Persons 2026 on1 October 2026 , 2-3pm CEST Geneva
Humanity is living longer than ever before — but longer lives are only a gain when they are also healthy ones. As the United Nations marks the 36th International Day of Older Persons around the theme “The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives,” WHO convenes this dialogue for staff and partners, at the midpoint of the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030), following the mid-term progress report presented to the UN General Assembly in September 2026.
WHO is committed to strengthening health systems to meet the needs and rights of older persons, and working with partners where WHO can add value in addressing the broader determinants of healthy ageing. The discussion asks what “rethinking systems” means in practice for the direct and cumulative benefit of older people, so that added years of life become added years of health, dignity and contribution, for older persons in all of their diversity. The session will include an overview of the UN Decade progress report, success and priorities reflecting country, regional and global perspectives, including government and civil society.