In light of the rapid demographic shifts in Asia, how can we engage stakeholders from various sectors and various countries in the effort to promote healthy and active aging in the region? At a side event co-organized by JCIE, groundbreaking innovations and community-based approaches from Japan and Thailand were introduced as a way to promote discussion on this issue.
Rapid population aging has been recognized as a shared challenge facing the entire Asian region. The complex and multifaceted nature of that challenge requires a multistakeholder approach, involving policymakers, national and local government, the business sector, the healthcare sector, and civil society. Sharing knowledge and innovative approaches will be critical to finding solutions and turning this challenge into an opportunity.
The event, which was held on the sidelines of the United Nations ESCAP/ UNFPA Midterm Review of the Asian and Pacific Ministerial Declaration on Population and Development, was carried out as part of the Asian Health and Wellbeing Initiative (AHWIN). As part of its program on Healthy and Active Aging in Asia, JCIE co-organizaed the event with the Office of Healthcare Policy, Cabinet Secretariat of Japan; the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan; ERIA; UNFPA; and HelpAge International.