About the Collaborative

The Healthy Ageing Collaborative (HAC) is a network to promote and strengthen multisectoral and multi-stakeholder partnering to foster healthy ageing and in particular the implementation of the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030).

The HAC was established in September 2022 following the UN General Assembly (GA) resolution (Resolution 75/131) inviting WHO, working in close cooperation with other UN agencies, to lead the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing – a global collaboration that brings together governments, civil society, international organizations, professionals, academic or research institutions, the media and the private sector to improve the lives of older people their families and communities.

The HAC, like the plan for the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing, envisions a world in which everyone can live a longer and healthier life.

The HAC's objectives include:

• raising awareness of the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030) and its linkages with other agendas and mechanisms, including but not limited to the WHO Global strategy and action plan on ageing and health 2016–2030, the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (SDGs), and Our Common Agenda;
• strengthening international coordination on healthy ageing and promoting multisectoral engagement and cooperation;
• encouraging and supporting national level implementation of the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing, including to reach people where they live; and
• recognising the role of older persons, ensuring their meaningful engagement in the implementation of the Decade, including through the applications of human-rights related approaches.

Who can be a member?

The Healthy Ageing Collaborative consists of representatives from:

• Inter-governmental organizations
• Government agencies / entities
• Non-governmental organizations including Older People's Associations
• Academic institutions
• Private sector entities through regional or international business associations
• Philanthropic foundations

All member organizations work regionaly or internationally – i.e. extending beyond one country – in the field of healthy ageing, in an area that directly influences healthy ageing, and/or with disadvantaged or underrepresented older people.

Roles of members

Healthy Ageing Collaborative members:

• Adhere to the Terms of Reference of the Healthy Ageing Collaborative;
• Actively participate in and support the Healthy Ageing Collaborative, its purpose, goals, objectives, guiding principles, work, and activities;
• Attend and actively participate in the Healthy Ageing Collaborative's various annual and ad hoc meetings;
• Take responsibility according to the division of labour, and make meaningful contributions, in connection with the work and activities of the various Healthy Ageing Collaborative working groups;
• Share knowledge and informaiton with other members (such as resources, data, case studies, experiences, etc.) as appropriate, thorugh the Decade Platform;
• Act in the best interest of public health in alignment with WHO policies and norms; and
• Ensure effective communication with the Secretariat and with the Coordination Group related to activities relevant to the Healthy Ageing Collaborative's mission and vision.

Participation in meetings and activities of the Healthy Ageing Collaborative should be self-funded within the means of the member.

How to apply to be a member

Organizations wishing to apply for membership to the Healthy Ageing Collaborative are requested to apply online.

The following information is requested for non-State actors and aligns with WHO's Framework of Engagement with non-State actors (FENSA):

• Name, objective(s), and mission of the entity;
• The entity's international work – preferrably multiple countries or a region if not global – in the field of healthy ageing, in an area that directly influences healthy ageing, and/or with disadvantaged or underrepresented older people;
• A copy of the entity's legal status (such as bylaws, constitution, etc.)
• Governance structure, as well as names and affiliations of the members of main decision-making bodies (such as Board, Executive Board)
• Annual income and funding sources (list of donors and sponsors)
• An indication of who will be the focal point of the entity for the Decade Secretariat, as all correspondence will be directed to this person
• Relevant affiliations, including for example Consultative Status to the United Nations
• Website
• Tobacco / arms disclosure statement signed without alteration

Upon reception of a complete application package, the review of the application by the Decade Secretariat takes about 6 weeks. After this delay, the Secretariat will communicate to the applicant its position regarding the advancement of the candidature. Applications advanced by the Secretariat are then subject to approval by the Coordination Group.

Contact us

If you have any questions or clarifications about the Healthy Ageing Collaborative, please use our Contact Us form or email: [email protected].