BANGKOK, Thailand – The ASEAN Centre for Active Ageing and Innovation (ACAI) was pleased to participate in the International Conference on “Strengthening Inclusive and Equitable Care Systems in the Context of an Ageing Society.” Organised by Chulalongkorn University and the Department of Older Persons, Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, the conference took place from July 31 to August 1, 2025, at The Berkeley Hotel Pratunam, Bangkok. This gathering offered a valuable opportunity for ACAI to contribute to and learn from global discussions on inclusive care.
As an intergovernmental organisation dedicated to promoting active ageing within the ASEAN region, ACAI welcomed the chance to engage with a diverse group of experts, social workers, academia, and stakeholders from Japan, South Korea, and China. The conference provided an important forum for sharing insights and exploring collaborative approaches to the challenges and opportunities presented by an ageing global population.
ACAI hosted a booth exhibition, which served as a point of connection throughout the event. Our representatives were able to interact directly with a wide range of attendees. We found these interactions to be highly productive, leading to several key outcomes. Our presence helped to broaden the understanding of ACAI’s mandate as an emerging knowledge and innovation development hub for active ageing, particularly among international partners. We initiated several promising discussions with various organisations regarding potential future collaborations and joint projects focused on developing age-friendly policies and capacity-building initiatives that could benefit communities across ASEAN.
A survey board from ACAI, inviting participants to rate the importance of six factors for a happy and fulfilling life for older persons, alongside a section for what aspects attendees would most like to support. Based on the responses, the three most important things for elderly people to live a happy and fulfilling life are:
- Keeping Learning & Exploring New Interests
- Accessible & Age-Friendly Environment
- Staying Physically Active & Healthy
ACAI believes that conferences such as this are essential for collectively addressing the complexities of an aging world. Our participation underscored the ongoing need for robust and equitable care systems that cater to the diverse needs of all citizens. We appreciate the efforts of Chulalongkorn University and the Department of Older Persons in organising this significant event, and we look forward to continuing to work alongside partners worldwide to advance the goal of inclusive and accessible care.