Former Japanese Health Minister Professor Keizo Takemi joins HelpAge International as Ambassador

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Professor Keizo Takemi, a globally recognised leader in health policy, universal health coverage and healthy ageing, has joined HelpAge International as an Ambassador, becoming the first appointment to the organisation’s recently relaunched Global Ambassador Programme.

A former Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan, Professor Takemi brings extensive experience of shaping health policy as Japan has responded to the opportunities and challenges of a rapidly ageing population. He has played a prominent role in global discussions on health and demographic change and is widely respected across government, multilateral institutions, academia and civil society.

As populations age around the world, there is a growing need to ensure that policies and services reflect the realities of people's lives as they grow older. I am delighted to join HelpAge International as an Ambassador. By connecting global policy discussions with the lived experiences of older people, HelpAge helps ensure that ageing is understood not only as a demographic trend, but as an issue that affects people's daily lives, health and wellbeing. I look forward to supporting those efforts.

Professor Keizo Takemi

At a time when population ageing is reshaping societies around the world, HelpAge is strengthening its efforts to ensure that the rights, wellbeing and contributions of older people are reflected in policy and practice. Professor Takemi’s experience of helping shape Japan’s response to demographic change, combined with his commitment to healthy ageing and universal health coverage, will bring valuable insight to these efforts.

As an Ambassador, Professor Takemi will provide strategic insight and thought leadership informed by his experience in government and global health. He will help elevate the visibility of older people’s rights and priorities in global policy discussions and support dialogue and collaboration with governments, multilateral organisations and other key stakeholders.

His experience offers valuable insights from Japan’s response to demographic change and will help strengthen efforts to ensure the rights, wellbeing and priorities of older people are reflected in policy and practice around the world.

Professor Takemi has expressed a strong interest in the future of healthy ageing and the implications of demographic change for health systems and societies. He has been a longstanding advocate for ensuring health systems evolve to meet the needs of ageing populations through integrated, person-centred care.

Japan has been at the forefront of responding to population ageing and Professor Takemi has played a significant role in shaping that journey. As societies around the world adapt to longer lives, his experience and global leadership will help strengthen HelpAge's efforts to ensure older people are at the centre of policy and practice. We are delighted to welcome him as the first Global Ambassador appointed through our relaunched Ambassador Programme and look forward to working together to advance the rights, inclusion and wellbeing of older people worldwide.

Cherian Mathews, Chief Executive of HelpAge International

HelpAge International’s Global Ambassador Programme brings together trusted senior leaders who share a commitment to advancing the rights, inclusion and wellbeing of older people.

Global Ambassadors contribute strategic insight, thought leadership and advocacy to help ensure ageing is reflected in global discussions on justice, development and social progress. Through their experience, networks and influence, they help strengthen partnerships, support policy influence and elevate the visibility of ageing as a global issue.