United Nations Open-Ended Working Group on Ageing
The Open-Ended Working Group on Ageing (OEWGA) held 14 sessions on strengthening the rights of older people. During the annual meetings in New York, important topics were highlighted in an open debate and possible gaps in protection were discussed. On May 23, 2024, in a final recommendation, the OEWGA identified 14 areas of potential gaps and proposed eleven options for action to address them. On August 13, 2024, the UN General Assembly declared the mandate of the OEWGA fulfilled and ended the work of the OEWGA with a resolution on December 20, 2024. All relevant UN-bodies are tasked with the consideration of the final recommendation of the OEWGA and in summer 2025 a High Level Meeting will be convened to decide on the follow-up process.
Meanwhile the UN Human Rights Council decided on April 3rd, 2025 to establish an intergovernmental open ended working group to elaborate a draft for a legally binding instrument on the human rights of older persons.
Second United Nations International Plan of Action on Ageing
The Second United Nations International Plan of Action on Ageing was adopted in Madrid in 2002 (Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing - MIPAA). This political plan of action is being implemented by the Member States by means of national action plans that are based on regional implementation strategies. Every five years the Country Report informs about the implementation of the National Plan of Action in Germany. The last report was written in 2021 under the leadership of the Federal Ministry for Senior Citizens.
Implementation at the European level
Responsible for the implementation of the Second International Plan of Action on Ageing at European level is the UNECE Regional Commission (United Nations Economic Commission for Europe). The corresponding standing working group on ageing (UNECE-Standing Working Group on Ageing - UNECE-SWGA) holds a conference of ministers every five years to further develop the 56 Member States' strategy for the future.
The recent UNECE Ministerial Conference on Ageing was held in 2022 in Rome. The Ministerial Declaration adopted by the 56 Member States lists the main areas for the coming five years:
- Promoting active and healthy ageing throughout life
- Ensuring access to long-term care and support for carers and families
- Mainstreaming ageing to advance a society for all ages
Detailed information and practical examples from the member states on selected topics can be found in the Policy Briefs published by the UNECE Standing Working Group on Ageing.
European Union
Germany is also committed to older people and their rights at European Union (EU) level. During the German EU-Council Presidency the second half of 2020, Council conclusions were adopted by the EU member states on 9 October 2020. In addition a high level international online conference deliberated opportunities and challenges of digitialization for ageing societies. The Trio Partners Portugal and Slovenia followed in this path, with Council Conclusions and a high level conference. Ageing remains on the EU's Agenda.
Involvement of civil society and the National Institute for Human Rights
The Federal Ministry for Senior Citizens closely involves civil society, academia and the German Institute for Human Rights in international policy for older people. This ensures that the views and needs of older people in Germany are included in international debates. Conversely, the results of international processes are also brought back to the national level. Important partners of the Federal Ministry for Senior Citizens are the BAGSO - Federal Association of Senior Citizens' Organizations, the German Institute for Human Rights (DIMR) and the German Centre of Gerontology (DZA).