Over 100 national and provincial officials, academics, municipal authorities, and specialists gathered in Tehran for a two-day multi-stakeholder workshop on Advancing Age-Friendly Environment initiative. The event was organized in partnership with the Secretariat of the National Council for Older Persons, the State Welfare Organization (SWO), and the Ministry of Cooperatives, Labor and Social Welfare, with technical support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and HelpAge International.
The workshop focused on strengthening national and local capacities to develop inclusive, supportive, and accessible environments for Iran’s ageing population, ensuring the social inclusion of Older persons. Representatives from 16 provinces attended in person, while five international experts from East and Southeast Asia contributed virtually, sharing global models and lessons learned from Malaysia, Singapore, China, and Thailand.
The gathering came at the right time, with official data from the Statistical Center of Iran indicating that Iran surpassed the 10 percent threshold of older persons, with the majority being elderly women. This demographic shift underscores the importance of evidence-based social support programmes and planning using a life cycle approach.
In opening remarks, H.E. Seyed Javad Hosseini, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Cooperatives, Labor, and Social Welfare (MCLSW) and Head of the State Welfare Organization, emphasized the urgency of integrated action. He noted that Iran must “bridge the cognitive gap in recognizing ageing as a national priority” and highlighted that ageing should be approached as an opportunity rather than a crisis, particularly in light of the economic and social potential of the "silver economy."
The workshop explored approaches, models, and strategies on planning, urban design innovations, service delivery, and promotion of health, well-being, and active aging in an environment for all, including the elderly, People with Disabilities, Pregnant Women, and Children. The discussions will directly inform the Government’s efforts to adopt the national strategy and roadmap on Age-Friendly Environments, while also improving the overall quality of services for older people.
Keita Ohashi, UNFPA’s Representative, highlighted the broader demographic context and reiterated the organization’s commitment to supporting Iran’s efforts. He stated: “Age-friendly environments are not only beneficial for older adults; they create cities that welcome every stage of life. When we build age-friendly spaces, we build inclusive environments that support children, youth, pregnant women, people with disabilities, and older people alike. This is the foundation of a resilient and human-centered society.”
Participants also reviewed the progress of the 16 provinces adopting the Age-Friendly Environment initiative since 2018. Experiences ranged from intergenerational community programmes to expanded social participation through the creation of Senior Gathering Spaces and accessible transport pathways. The city of Isfahan was acknowledged as the first officially recognized age-friendly city in Iran.
The workshop provided a platform for exchanging insights on how innovative approaches, including time banking systems and tourism-oriented age-friendly services, can strengthen social inclusion and promote active participation among older people. The international experts who joined virtually discussed how such initiatives could be scaled up nationally to support social cohesion and intergenerational solidarity.
The event reaffirmed UNFPA’s continued support to the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran in addressing population dynamics and advancing healthy ageing. The outcomes of the workshop are expected to further strengthen policy coordination, enhance local implementation capacity, and accelerate progress toward inclusive and age-friendly communities for all generations.
p.s: Unveiling the Poster of Age-Friendly Environment Initiative
