HelpAge International in Mozambique is working and sharing experiences with governments from across Africa to tackle poverty in old age.

This week, the whole world is looking towards Rio de Janeiro, where the Rio+20 summit is taking place. Important emerging challenges including climate change,food security and health are being discussed. However, one issue that has major implications for everyone is missing – that of global ageing.

This Friday 15 June marks the first officially recognised, “United Nations World Elder Abuse Awareness Day” (WEAAD). Millions of people around the world are holding events to raise awareness of a growing and global injustice.

HelpAge International is delighted to be invited to work in partnership with The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust in developing a programme to address global ageing. The Trust, established to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s 60 year contribution to the Commonwealth, today announced it will invest in six areas reflecting the six decades of The Queen’s reign.

This year is the European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations (EY2012). To further promote intergenerational solidarity, 29 April is the European day of Solidarity between Generations. To celebrate the day, HelpAge has launched a new campaign to raise awareness among young people of what it means to be older in Europe and the developing world.