Countries across the Region of the Americas have strengthened their commitment to inclusive and age-friendly development during the 3rd World Congress of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities, held in San Sebastián, Spain. The event brought together representatives from more than 60 countries to share progress, exchange experiences, and reinforce global cooperation on healthy aging.
Delegations from across Latin America and the Caribbean, including officials from Costa Rica, Brazil, Mexico, Chile, and Colombia, actively participated in discussions on building environments that support people of all ages. Subnational governments such as the Brazilian states of Paraná and São Paulo, along with municipalities like Zapopan in Mexico, also showcased local initiatives promoting age-friendly development.
A major highlight of the Congress was the recognition of Costa Rica’s Ministry of Health for its continued leadership in the WHO Global Network for Age-Friendly Cities and Communities, reflecting sustained national efforts to integrate healthy aging into public health and social planning strategies.
Experts from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) emphasized that age-friendly initiatives must be adaptable to diverse local realities, ensuring that both urban and rural communities can implement solutions tailored to their specific needs. The program supports governments in creating inclusive environments that promote dignity, participation, and well-being throughout the life course.
Countries in the Americas continue to lead globally in the expansion of age-friendly networks, becoming the region with the highest number of members in the global initiative, surpassing 1,000 participating communities in 2025. This growth reflects increasing recognition of the importance of healthy aging policies in addressing demographic change and improving quality of life for older populations.
Through continued collaboration, technical support, and policy innovation, countries across the Americas are advancing a shared vision of societies where aging is supported, inclusive, and integrated into long-term development planning.
