Age Friendly Ireland had a strong delegation at the recent WHO 3rd World Congress on Age Friendly Cities and Communities that took place in San Sebastian, Spain from 15th to 19th June 2026. This international conference featured expert speakers from around the world, and was a wonderful opportunity to learn how countries across the globe are preparing for increased longevity. The staff delegation from Age Friendly Ireland (Emer, Declan and Dara) all had speaking opportunties at the conference, while AFI’s Research Manager Dr Claudia Roessing also had a poster presentation. We were delighted that two members of the National Network of Older People’s Councils were part of the Irish delegation. Catherine Lenihan (National Chair) and Liz Downes (Vice Chair) were active participants over the four days of the conference, speaking with other delegates at the AFI information stand in the global village, at our poster displays, asking questions during the plenary, and even taking part in the closing ceremony.
The conference was a great platform to promote the important work taking place across Ireland in relation to Age Friendly Housing, Age Friendly Transport, Older People’s Councils, social participation, intergenerational connections, national policy, and other progamme activities.
During the conference, AFI delegates held bilateral meetings with Singapore, France, Canada and a Professor from Harvard University, and had multiple interactions with other countries. The conference was a huge learning opportunity for all involved and has strengthened our connections in the global network. The global movement to develop Age Friendly Communities is an excellent mechanism to ensure that good practice is shared widely, programming is evaluated and critqued, and for members to support and motivate each other in a shared ambition.
This next iteration of this international conference will take place in Singapore in 2028.
