The first virtual meeting of the Member States Advisory Committee for the WHO European Strategy on Ageing is Living: Promoting a Lifetime of Health and Well-being (2026–2030) took place on 10 June 2025. The Advisory Committee comprises representatives from Hungary, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Slovakia, Sweden, Türkiye, the United Kingdom and Uzbekistan. It was established to guide the co-development of the Strategy and ensure that it reflects Member State priorities, is informed by country realities and is grounded in practical approaches.
At the Advisory Committee’s first meeting, participants exchanged perspectives on how to ensure the Strategy is country-driven, inclusive and action-oriented. Discussions focused on ways to prioritize implementation, support structural change, and address health and social inequities affecting older populations across the Region.
Miguel Telo de Arriaga, Director of the Directorate of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion at Portugal’s Directorate-General of Health, emphasized Portugal’s strong commitment to co-developing the Strategy: “We are proud to work closely with WHO/Europe in shaping a strategy that can be implemented across different systems and realities. By putting people and participation at the heart of this process, we can ensure it delivers lasting change.”
Closing the meeting, Natasha Azzopardi-Muscat, Director of the Division of Country Health Policies and Systems at WHO/Europe, underscored the importance of meaningful collaboration: “This Strategy is not being developed in isolation; it’s being co-created with those who know best what works. Together, we are laying the groundwork for a healthier, more inclusive Region where older people are not left behind, but seen, heard and empowered.”
The WHO European Strategy on Ageing is Living is being developed through a broad participatory process involving Member States, cities and communities, civil society, youth networks, experts, research networks, WHO collaborating centres, and older people themselves. The next meeting of the Advisory Committee will continue refining strategic directions in support of healthy ageing for all.