The Geneva International Network on Ageing
Introducing 
Astrid Stuckelberger (Swiss Research Programme on Ageing),
Alexandre Kalache (World Health Organization Ageing and Health Programme)
GINA, the Geneva International Network on Ageing, was
launched on 1 October 1996 as an initiative of the World
Health Organization (WHO), the Swiss Research Programme
on Ageing (PNR32) and the American Association for
Retired Persons (AARP). GINA is a flexible, informal and interdisciplinary
framework for organizations and their representatives
interested in the many different aspects of ageing.
GINA’s membership consists of the representatives of organizations
which have programme activities focusing on ageing issues.
Included are: United Nations organizations headquartered in
Geneva, international non-governmental organizations (NGOs), as
well as Swiss and Geneva organizations or institutions concerned
with research, training and/or services to older persons, as well as
associations of older persons themselves (graphic 1). More then 80
reprensentatives are members of GINA today.
Structure of GINA
Historical Background
The United Nations’ Principles for Older Persons (Resolution 46/91) provide the conceptual basis for the establishment of GINA through their emphasis on:
- maintenance of independence and autonomy;
- integration and participation in a society for all ages;
- human rights and dignity for all;
- highest possible level of physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing.
GINA’s first activity was the celebration of the International Day of Older Persons (1 October 1996) in Geneva in accordance with the 1991 United Nations Resolution.
Objectives of GINA
- networking
- information exchange
- coordination of action and information
- setting up of panels/symposia/workshops
- raising public awareness
- organization of special events such as for the International
Day of the Older Persons: 1 October and for the International Year of the Older Persons: 1999
Since then, GINA’s work has largely focused on preparing activities
towards the International Year of Older Persons 1999, an occasion
for the world to celebrate ageing, not only one of the greatest
achievements of the XXth Century, but also one which presents
both challenges and opportunities for the next millennium.
As the 1997 Summit of the Eight (G8) in Denver stated: «One of the
most important challenges the world faces in the XXIst Century is responding to the economic, financial and social implications of the
changing demographics in our ageing societies.»
GINA’s Mission
GINA ‘s main objective is to conduct initiatives aimed at promoting physically,
mentally and socially active ageing throughout the life course. GINA
also endeavours to focus attention on issues relating to the income security,
human rights and dignity of older persons around the world.
GINA’s goal is to provide a platform for information exchange and
networking among policy-makers, activists, researchers, professionals
in service provision and training, as well as among today’s and tomorrow’s
older persons.
A fundamental feature of GINA’s mission is to raise public awareness
by organizing panels, symposia, workshops and special events.
Leadership and Expertise in Ageing
By bringing together leadership and expertise in the various
fields of ageing, GINA has a unique potential to contribute to present
and future responses of society to the ageing of populations.
Through its interdisciplinary nature, GINA is able to address the
challenges and opportunities presented by an ageing society in an
integrated and interactive way.
For example, under the leadership of the World Health Organization
(WHO), GINA has set up a committee to organize a global
movement highlighting the importance of active and healthy ageing
through walks and celebrations for all ages. WHO, together
with the GINA sub-group, is taking the lead in promoting and organizing
a walk event on a global scale in 1999, the International
Year of Older Persons.
GINA’s Activities
Gina is, as described earlier, organizing or collaborating in
events, seminars, symposia and workshops as well as producing
papers and publications. Those events serve the purpose and mission
set by GINA.
- Events
- International Day of Older Persons yearly:
— 1996: launching of GINA with a panel on ‘Successful Ageing’
— 1997: organizing of a 2 days event with the Geneva State Council on the theme «Young and Old» - an international conference day and a local walk event on the lake side in close cooperation with Rio de Janeiro walk event
— 1998: special 3 days event for the International, national and local opening of the United Nation International Year of Older Persons: 1 october: International panel at the United Nation in Geneva and duplex with Paris, 2 October: panel at University of 3rd Age with leaders of Elderly’s and Youth Parliament, 3 October: walk event in the Geneva Old Town followed by a ball
— 1999: International Year of Older Persons
— 2000 and beyond: setting of ageing working together on actions and implementations of active and healthy ageing for all. - International Year of Older Persons 1999
— World Health Day on Healthy Ageing: 7 April 1999
— 2 October: the «Global Embrace», a world wide celebration coordinated by WHO aimed at promoting active ageing and setting a global network on active ageing for the next millenium
— Various events in Geneva, in Switzerland and in the world
- International Day of Older Persons yearly:
- Seminars, symposia and workshops
— ie International Seminar: «Investing in productive ageing: the future of pensions and of retirement» organized by the Geneva Association with the collaboration of GINA (24-25 November 98)
GINA is involved in diverse activities and serves the purpose of
«bridging the gap» by maintaining information exchange on ageing,
although conducting joined activities plays a key role in
cementing a common direction and framework for the future such
as 1999 International Year of the Older Person.
The future development and functioning of GINA is to enlarge
the network to a global - world participation for all interested
organization, institutions and associations willing to collaborate
together towards a better future for the population ageing.
Current coordination
Dr Alexandre Kalache
Ageing and Health, World Health Organization (WHO)
20, Avenue Appia
CH-1211 Geneva 27
Tel.: 41-22-791 34 04
Fax:41-22-791 48 39
kalachea@who.ch
Astrid Stuckelberger
Swiss Research Programme on Ageing (PNR32-FNRS)
Geneva University Hospital, Belle-Idée
Chemin Petit Bel Air 2
CH-1225 Chêne-Bourg / Geneva
Tel.: 41-22-305 42 20
Fax: 41-22-305 41 62
stuckelberger-astrid@diogenes.hcuge.ch
© 2006 UN Special |