Jiang Wei, President, China National Committee on Ageing (CNCA)
Speakers (in order of appearance)
Video Address by Li Changguan, Minister of Civil Affairs, the People’s Republic of China
Cherian Mathews, CEO, HelpAge International
High-level official of Zhejiang Provincial Government
Julia Bunting, Director of Programmes, UNFPA
Yang Lin, Deputy Executive Secretary of UNESCAP
Sun Shuopeng, Vice Minister of Ministry of Civil Affairs, People's Republic of China
Framing the Conference
This opening session will set the scene for the days ahead—introducing the key themes, connecting the different elements of the programme, and inviting participants to exchange experiences, build new connections and contribute to shaping the future of ageing in the region.
Speaker
Eduardo KlienAsia-Pacific Regional Convening LeadHelpAge International
High-level Panel
This high-level panel will explore how governments and societies can turn longer lives into opportunities for economic and social development, rather than viewing population ageing simply as a challenge. The discussion will examine how longer lives are reshaping work, productivity, health and care, social protection and intergenerational relationships, alongside the growing role of technology and AI.
Moderated by renowned specialists in population ageing and development policy, the dialogue will bring together senior government leaders and leading voices on ageing and longevity from across Asia and the Pacific. Together, they will explore how societies can enable people to remain healthy, productive and engaged throughout longer lives, while ensuring that the opportunities of longevity are shared fairly across generations.
Moderators
Du PengDean, School of Population and HealthRenmin University of China
Sofia ShakilDirector, Human and Social DevelopmentAsian Development Bank (ADB)
Panellists
Grace Abigail ChynowethSecretaryMinistry of Internal AffairsCook Islands
Jiang WeiPresidentChina National Committee on Ageing (CNCA)
Julia BuntingDirector, Programme DivisionUNFPA
MalikiDeputy Minister for Community Empowerment, Population and ManpowerMinistry of National Development Planning (BAPPENAS)Indonesia
Mary Ann TsaoChairperson and Founding DirectorTsao FoundationSingapore
Md. Zonayed Abdur Rahim SakiState Minister of PlanningBangladesh
Sarah HarperDirector of the Oxford Institute of Population AgeingBoard Chair, HelpAge InternationalUK
Seyed Javad HosseiniDeputy Minister of Cooperatives, Labour and Social Welfare and Head of State Welfare OrganizationIran
Introductory Lecture on Silver Economy
Speaker
Philip O'KeefeProfessor of PracticeUniversity of New South Wales Centre for Population Ageing Research (CEPAR)Australia
Introductory Lecture on Longevity Society
Speaker
Wu YushaoDeputy DeanFudan Institute on AgeingChina
China Forum
Programme details to be announced
International Sharing Forum
Population ageing is a global transformation, with countries experiencing demographic change at different stages and in different ways. This session broadens the conversation beyond Asia and the Pacific, bringing perspectives from Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and other regions. Through two interconnected panels, participants will explore diverse responses to ageing, share policies and innovations, and reflect on lessons emerging from the conference. The discussion will also look ahead to how cross-regional learning, knowledge exchange and cooperation can help build healthier, more inclusive societies for people of all ages.
Moderator
Cherian Mathews
Panellists
César GarcíaSilver Economy Specialist IFC World BankAVU I.A.P.Mexico
Irine TsakadzeDeputy MinisterMinistry of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labour, Health and Social AffairsGeorgia
Milad PournikAssociate Social Affairs OfficerUnited Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA)
Tesfaye Robale SidaChief Executive Officer for Elders and Family AffairsMinistry of Women and Social Affairs (MOWSA)Ethiopia
Moderator
Sabine HenningChief, Sustainable Demographic Transition Section, Social Development DivisionUnited Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP)
Panellists
Amma Adomaa Twum-AmoahCommissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social DevelopmentAfrican Union CommissionGhana
Li BanghuaDirector-General, Department of Elderly Care ServicesMinistry of Civil AffairsChina
Nilesh GoundarChief Executive OfficerNational Council for Older PersonsFiji
