19/06/2026
It was a pleasure and a privilege to participate in the 3rd World Congress on Age-Friendly Cities and Communities in San Sebastián, together with so many talented colleagues, experts, practitioners, advocates, and local leaders from around the world.
The Congress provided a unique opportunity to exchange knowledge, share experiences, strengthen existing partnerships, build new ones, and draw inspiration from innovative initiatives taking place across the globe. Above all, it was characterized by a spirit of collaboration, commitment, and positive energy.
We were particularly pleased to see the strong contributions of civil society throughout the Congress, including the excellent intervention of Silvia Perel-Levin, representing INPEA and serving as Vice-Chair of the NGO Committee on Ageing (Geneva). We were also honoured to contribute to the discussions on behalf of the International Federation on Ageing (IFA) and the NGO Committee on Ageing (Geneva).
Thank you, Spain, IMSERSO, María Teresa Sancho Castiello, Manuel Veguín García, the World Health Organization, and Thiago Herick de Sá, for bringing together such a remarkable global community committed to creating more age-friendly and inclusive societies.
We leave with new ideas, renewed motivation, stronger partnerships, and a shared commitment to advancing the rights, participation, and well-being of older persons and people of all ages.