PMAC 2026

Side Meetings

SMB201

The Appropriate Care Economy System and Beyond

26
Jan

  • 08:30 - 16:30 HRS. (BKK)

  • Contact Person : Kyaw Min Soe, kyawmin.soe@asean-acai.org

Organizers
  • ASEAN Centre for Active Ageing and Innovation (ACAI)
  • Active Aging Consortium in Asia Pacific (ACAP)
  • Health Intervention and Technology Assessment Program Foundation (HITAP)
  • Center for International Collaboration of Innovation and Safety for Ageing (CICISA), Faculty of Public Health, Thammasat University
  • Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF)
  • International Development Research Centre (IDRC)

The Asia-Pacific region is undergoing a profound demographic shift, with population ageing placing increasing demands on care systems, economies, and social structures. This transition highlights the urgent need to develop and strengthen the care economy system, which includes both formal and informal work, as a critical foundation for inclusive and sustainable development. A robust care economy not only enhances the dignity and wellbeing of older persons but also contributes to job creation, supports gender equality, and promotes intergenerational solidarity.1, 2

Regional organizations such as ACAI, ACAP, and HITAP are leading efforts to integrate care considerations into ageing policy and practice. Through innovative models, evidence-informed strategies, and cross-sector collaboration, these institutions are evaluating and proposing a care system that is equitable, resilient, and responsive to the diverse needs of older populations.

This PMAC 2026 side event brings together leading institutions and partners to highlight practical and scalable models that strengthen the care economy. These include community-based care services, long-term care innovations, twin-city cooperation, and regional investment in ageing research and social infrastructure.

1. To showcase interregional models and pilot initiatives that contribute to the development of a strong care economy system within the context of healthy and active ageing.

2. To promote collaboration, knowledge sharing, and strategic partnerships that support care systems and intergenerational wellbeing across regions.

3. To emphasize the significance of care work, including both formal and informal, as a driver of social equity, economic resilience, and gender justice and

4. To share key outputs and evidence from ACAI, ACAP, and HITAP, and their partners in order to inform and influence regional policy on ageing and care. To review the proposed active ageing policies for ASEAN countries based on best practices in different high-income economies