Fukuoka – The ASEAN Centre for Active Ageing and Innovation (ACAI) joined global leaders and experts at the 20^th Anniversary Active Aging Conference in Asia Pacific (ACAP2025), held at the Fukuoka International Congress Center in Fukuoka City, Japan, from March 17 to 19, 2025. Marking two decades of progress in active ageing, the event provided a platform for meaningful discussions on key challenges, policy advancements, and innovative solutions for ageing societies.

With the theme “Toward Global Active Aging – Lessons Learned from Fukuoka,” ACAP2025 hosted approximately 300 participants from Japan and various countries, including Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia, the U.S., Australia, and India. The conference focused on critical topics such as Digital Inclusion, Cross-Border Care Workers, Dementia-Friendly Environments, and Inter-Generational Relationships.

ACAI’s Executive Director, Dr. Somsak Akksilp, was invited as a guest speaker for the opening ceremony. He delivered a speech on the “Mission of ACAI”, highlighting the centre’s ongoing efforts in fostering active ageing initiatives and promoting regional collaboration.

The opening ceremony on March 17, 2025, featured keynote addresses from distinguished experts, including Kathryn Braun, President of ACAP, who discussed the legacy and future path of ACAP, and Koichi Fujimoto, Director of the Fukuoka City Welfare Bureau, who presented insights on the vision of Fukuoka 100.

A significant highlight of the ceremony was the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing between the Fukuoka Council for Designing Society in Aging Asia and Thammasat University’s Center for International Collaboration of Innovation and Safety for Aging (CICISA), signifying a step forward in international cooperation for aging-related initiatives. ACAI witnessed the signing ceremony and is eager to have a collaboration with both institutions.

The symposium sessions, held on March 17 and 18, addressed some of the most pressing issues in ageing societies. Discussions covered global ageing trends and challenges, the importance of a cross-border care workforce, and the development of dementia-friendly environments and policies. Additionally, experts explored the significance of digital inclusion for older persons and shared strategies to foster inter-generational relationships and community engagement to ensure more inclusive ageing societies.

On March 19, 2025, a study tour offered participants an opportunity to visit dementia-friendly centres, universal design exhibits, and senior-friendly living spaces in Fukuoka. These site visits provided firsthand insights into how the city had implemented innovative aging-friendly solutions.

This conference not only celebrated two decades of progress in active aging but also paved the way for future initiatives aimed at fostering inclusive and sustainable aging societies worldwide.

For more information, visit the official website: https://acap2025.com