27
Jan

Population ageing in the Asia-Pacific region is accelerating at an unprecedented rate, bringing profound demographic shifts, healthcare demands, and socioeconomic challenges. By 2050, over 1.3 billion people in Asia will be aged 60+, necessitating urgent, collaborative solutions to ensure healthy and active ageing. ASEAN Member States (AMS) exemplify diverse stages of demographic transition, from pre-ageing societies (e.g., Philippines, Lao PDR) to super-aged societies (e.g., Thailand, Singapore), highlighting the need for tailored, regionally coordinated responses.

To address these challenges at the regional level, the ASEAN Strategic Framework on Health Development (ASFHD) 2021–2030 prioritizes ageing populations under its "Healthy Ageing" pillar, aligning with the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Active Ageing (2020). The ASEAN Health Cluster on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and Ageing facilitates policy dialogue, while the JAIF-funded "Innovative Solutions for Ageing Societies" supports scalable interventions across AMS. In addition, the ASEAN Centre for Active Ageing and Innovation (ACAI) was established as a regional hub to catalyze cross-border collaboration.

ASEAN+3 (China, Japan, South Korea) cooperation has expanded through high-level commitments like the ‘2023 ASEAN+3 Leaders’ Statement on Active Ageing’ and JAIF-funded projects such as the Smart Ageing Cities Network. Japan has further contributed via initiatives like the "Asia Health and Wellbeing Initiative (AHWIN)," supporting community-based elderly care systems and regional knowledge-sharing platforms. China and Republic of Korea (ROK) have further deepened partnerships through the China-ASEAN Cooperation Fund on Ageing and the ROK Ageing Innovation Hub, respectively, focusing on technology-driven care and silver economy development. These efforts align with the ‘ASEAN+3 Health Ministers’ Work Programme (2022–2025), which prioritizes integrated care and mental health support for ageing populations.

This PMAC 2026 side event builds on these foundations, convening ACAI, JICA, ERIA, JCIE, and partners not only to -summarize the previous regional network initiatives but also pave the way to the better future close collaboration.

Remarks: This will be a full-day side event  conducted in-person over an 8-hour period, featuring a dynamic mix of keynote remarks, three expert panel discussions, a ceremonial MOU signing, and interactive open dialogues. Each panel is designed for deep exploration that include moderated discussions and dedicated Q&A periods to foster engagement between speakers and attendees. The format emphasizes knowledge-sharing and collaborative networking, with structured breaks for continued discussion.