On 3 March 2025, the Permanent Mission of Thailand to ASEAN, in collaboration with the ASEAN Centre for Active Ageing and Innovation (ACAI) and with the support of the ASEAN Secretariat, hosted the “Networking Dialogue with the ASEAN Centre for Active Ageing and Innovation” at the ASEAN Hall, ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta. The event brought together more than 80 participants from ASEAN Member States, ASEAN partners, international organisations, and the private sector to explore opportunities for collaboration in advancing active ageing across the region. The dialogue aligned with planned ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship priorities on inclusivity.

In her opening remarks, H.E. Phantipha Iamsudha Ekarohit, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Thailand to ASEAN, highlighted that ASEAN is rapidly ageing, with one in seven ASEAN citizens expected to be over 60 by 2030 and nearly one in four by 2050. Recognising the urgency of this demographic shift, she recalled Thailand’s role in proposing the establishment of ACAI in 2017, which was later endorsed by ASEAN Leaders during Thailand’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2019. She reiterated that ACAI serves as ASEAN’s regional hub for research, capacity-building, and policy innovation to help Member States prepare for an ageing society in a systematic, comprehensive, and sustainable manner. She also encouraged closer collaboration between ACAI, ASEAN Member States, and external partners to advance ACAI’s mission.

In his video remarks, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, underscored that all ASEAN Member States will become ageing societies within the next decade, with some on track to become super-aged societies. He noted that this demographic shift is both a challenge and an opportunity and emphasised that ASEAN has been working to mainstream population ageing into policies and national development plans. He reaffirmed that ASEAN is committed to preparing for healthy, active, and productive ageing through frameworks such as the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Ageing. He also commended ACAI for its work and encouraged stakeholders to engage with ACAI to actively support evidence-informed policymaking.

In his presentation, Dr. Somsak Akksilp, Executive Director of ACAI, provided insights into ACAI’s strategic direction and role in regional cooperation. He outlined ACAI’s key initiatives, including the ASEAN Active Ageing Index (AAAI), lifelong learning and digital literacy programs for older persons, and community engagement efforts.                               He highlighted ACAI’s role in supporting ASEAN Member States in formulating policies on active ageing and noting the importance of multi-sectoral partnerships, cross-border collaboration, and sustainable funding. He invited ASEAN partners, the private sector, and international organisations to work together to advance active ageing policies and practical solutions.

The event also featured an interactive discussion, where participants exchanged views on strategies to strengthen ACAI’s role in ASEAN and leverage public-private partnerships to enhance active ageing initiatives, including in the wellness and health tourism sector. Some delegates referred to existing cooperation between ASEAN Member States and ASEAN’s partners, suggesting that such cooperation be expanded. Delegates also exchanged views on ACAI’s role in driving social movement towards inclusivity and bridging the digital divide to support lifelong learning and economic participation of the elderly. There was also strong interest in regional knowledge-sharing platforms to enhance policy coherence and best practices across ASEAN.

The Networking Dialogue reaffirmed the importance of regional cooperation in shaping a resilient and inclusive ageing society, ensuring that ASEAN remains dynamic and forward-looking for all generations. The discussions highlighted how ASEAN Member States and partners can collaborate with ACAI to drive policy innovation, research, and capacity-building efforts.

With this event, the Permanent Mission of Thailand to ASEAN reaffirmed its commitment to supporting ACAI’s mission, strengthening regional cooperation, and enhancing ASEAN’s preparedness to address the challenges and opportunities of an ageing population.