Intergenerational Connections for Change

Bridging intergenerational divides. Powerful networks of change for the SDGs.

Today’s global challenges are daunting. One overlooked tool is the partnership between current older persons and the cohort of younger persons. We’ve often heard of challenges facing both poles of the age spectrum but projects and societal mindset utilizing the skills of both generations has been limited. Since time began, there has been love and appreciation between generations. In recent decades, this has evolved (in the public perception) to seeing older persons as primarily consumers of services. Younger persons are often seen as unskilled learners unsophisticated in the ways of the world.

Efforts for implementation of the SDGs plus other planning frameworks such as the Pact for the Future must address anticipated needs. Every policy framework should specifically include effective solutions addressing the situation of older persons today. Aside from the fact that younger persons are the older persons of tomorrow, older persons represent the fastest growing population cohort in most countries. There are innumerable examples of intergenerational collaboration toward progress to alleviate poverty, combat climate change, achieve zero hunger, and more.

How can the world harness the creativity and industry of older persons as well as younger persons to create sustainable solutions to alleviate hunger, poverty, climate change?
How can the Pact for the Future address the issues facing older persons today and tomorrow?
How can policies of Member States reflect the reality of the ever-increasing demographics of ageing with regard to the SDGs? How can the generations come together to create sustainable long-term change?
What are examples which might be replicated?

Register now for the Stakeholder Group on Ageing Side Event at the 2024 High Level Political Forum, July 10, 2024, 9-10:30 am EDT on "Intergenerational Connections for Change".