Looking back: how Asia-Pacific regional conferences on ageing have shaped the narrative

Reflections from Eduardo Klien, Asia-Pacific Regional Convening Lead, HelpAge International

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For more than a decade, the Asia-Pacific regional conferences on population ageing have brought together governments, civil society, researchers and communities to share experiences and challenge assumptions.

In this interview, Eduardo Klien, Asia-Pacific Regional Convening Lead, HelpAge International, looks back at how these conversations have evolved and what has made the conferences such an important space for learning and connection.

Looking back at previous Asia-Pacific regional conferences, what role have they played in shaping how governments or civil society think about population ageing?

It is always difficult to claim direct attribution for such large shifts in thinking, but the regional conferences have certainly contributed to reframing how ageing is perceived across the region.

Back in 2014, we already challenged the dominant narrative with the conference theme: “Older People in Ageing Societies: Burden or Resource?” At the time, many still viewed ageing mainly as a problem. The conferences helped open space for a more balanced conversation — one that recognised both the challenges and the opportunities of longer lives.

What made the conferences unique was the mix of participants: governments, civil society, academics, international organisations and grassroots groups all in the same room. Sometimes even in the same heated coffee-break discussion. Countries learned from each other’s policies and practical experiences, and that has been extremely valuable.

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How has the conversation on population ageing shifted since you first launched the Asia Pacific regional conferences? What has changed in the last 10 to 15 years?

Fifteen years ago, population ageing was often discussed almost entirely in terms of crisis: rising costs, dependency and pressure on pensions and health systems.
Today, there is much greater recognition that ageing is not simply a “problem to solve”, nor something that concerns only one ministry or one sector. It is a transformation of society itself.

The conversation has shifted from fear to adaptation.

There is also more understanding that ageing is not only about care. It is about cities, labour markets, technology, housing, lifelong learning, intergenerational relations and social participation. In short, it is about how societies organise themselves across the life course.

Looking back on previous conferences, are there any memorable moments that stand out? What are you most proud of that you are carrying with you into this year’s event?

Many moments stand out. I remember participants from North and South Korea sharing experiences in the same room and singing together their common national song, and Indian and Pakistani colleagues exchanging experience very openly. Population ageing can sometimes build bridges where politics struggles.

Another memorable experience was holding a conference in Iran and discovering the remarkable range of community care initiatives being developed there. It reminded us that love and innovation exist everywhere, often where we least expect it.

And there are many smaller moments that matter just as much: grassroots organisations meeting their own governments for the first time, or local practitioners suddenly realising that their challenges are shared across the region.

Sometimes the most important diplomacy happens over lunch.

What are the key outcomes of a conference? They cannot lead directly to policy change, so what is their impact?

Actually, they sometimes do influence policy quite directly. And they always, always, contribute to advancing understandings that lead to reshaping political will.

One important example is Vietnam’s Intergenerational Self-Help Clubs (ISHCs), developed initially by the Vietnam Association of the Elderly and HelpAge. These community-based models evolved from the traditional OPAs through practical learning and innovation.

At one of the regional conferences, the Deputy Prime Minister announced that — given the obvious appeal of the ISHCs and their impact in the lives of older people — they would become national policy. Since then, more than 9,000 ISHCs have been established across the country, with the goal of 30,000 by 2030.

But beyond specific policies, the conferences create something equally important: confidence to act and innovate.

Countries see practical examples from neighbours facing similar demographic realities. That is often far more persuasive than a thick report sitting on a shelf somewhere.

What are you most proud of?

Probably that the conference evolved into a truly multistakeholder platform.

Over the years, it gradually became a space where governments, civil society, academia, international organisations and communities could engage on relatively equal footing. That did not happen automatically.

It was also possible because HelpAge had an exceptionally committed, respected and talented regional team over many years. Their credibility, relationships and persistence helped give legitimacy to the process and allowed the conference to grow beyond being simply an organisational event into a recognised regional platform.

And what is it about the conferences that you enjoy?

Meeting old friends and colleagues — and discovering new ones.

There is something energising about bringing together people from very different backgrounds who nevertheless share a common aspiration: building more just, inclusive and equitable societies for all ages.

Also, after months of preparation, it is reassuring to see that everyone actually arrives.

What do you believe makes the conferences such a success?

Their multistakeholder character.

Is it an academic event? Yes and no. An intergovernmental meeting? Yes and no. A civil society gathering? Also yes and no. It is all of that!

The conference works precisely because it sits at the intersection of all those spaces. It creates conversations that normally would not happen within traditional institutional boundaries.

How do you feel in the run up to each event?

A bit overwhelmed, usually.

There is always a moment where you wonder whether everything will come together in time. And then somebody changes a panel, misses a flight or requests a completely new session three days before the programme is finalised.

But somehow, it always moves forward.

And how do you feel when it concludes?

Happy. Relieved. Grateful.

And usually slightly surprised that after all the stress, people are already asking: “So… where will the next conference be?”