HPOD Events
Right to Science and Access to Technology for Older Persons
The third event in UNITAR's yearlong roundtable series 'Mainstreaming Knowledge on Ageing'
Older persons have a right to enjoy the benefits of scientific progress and technological advancements on an equal basis with others, but systemic barriers contribute to an intergenerational digital divide.
On September 10th, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) continues its fifth yearlong "Mainstreaming Knowledge on Ageing" virtual roundtable series with a focus on older persons' access to health systems fin conflict areas. This annual event series, and co-sponsored by HPOD as part of a broad coalition of prominent civil society and intergovernmental organizations that includes UNDESA, the Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights, and the World Health Organization, aims to raise awareness of how existing policies and systems may be strengthened to better protect the human rights of older persons, and hopefully, to add to growing momentum towards adoption of a new human rights treaty capable of addressing the far-reaching challenges posed by the world’s rapidly aging population.
Scientific and technological advancements are transforming every aspect of modern life, from healthcare interventions and artificial intelligence to digital communications and smart infrastructure. While these developments hold immense potential to improve older persons' quality of life, they often face systemic barriers that impede them from fully enjoying the benefits of scientific and technological progress, in spite of their rights under international human rights law. Barriers include limited digital literacy, inadequate access to devices and connectivity, and age-related challenges in adapting to rapidly evolving tools. Socio-economic disparities, inaccessible design, and ageism in technology development and deployment further compound the problem. Without intentional strategies to foment inclusion, older persons risk being left behind in an increasingly digital society, as well as excluded from opportunities for lifelong learning, telemedicine, and social connectivity. Thus, ensuring equitable access to scientific and technological advancements is integral not only to upholding the human rights and inherent dignity of older persons, but also promoting sustainable intergenerational solidarity.
In this context, this virtual roundtable event featuring experts, policy-makers, and civil society representatives, including older persons themselves, will discuss pathways for greater scientific and technological inclusion and identify concrete strategies that can help to bridge the growing intergenerational digital divide.
Welcome Message
- Mr. Alex Mejía, Director, Division for People and Social Inclusion UNITAR & Head, CIFAL Global Network
Moderator
- Ms. Analucía Jácome, Senior Project Leader and Human Rights Expert, SDP, UNITAR
Panelists
- Dr. Loly Gaitan, Programme Officer, International Telecommunication Union
- Ms. Yiren Zhou, Program Manager of the Elderly Care Program "Blue-Vest Initiative," Sustainability Department, Ant Group
- Dr. Jutta Treviranus, Director, Inclusive Design Research Centre, Ontario College of Art and Design, University of Toronto
- Ms. Kylie Shae, Team Lead, Access to Assistive Technology, World Health Organization [TBC]
- Mr. Daniel Uribe, Lead Project Officer, the South Centre
Two future events planned as part of UNITAR's fifth annual roundtable series will address other intersections critical for strengthening international and national laws, policies, and systems to better protect the human rights of older persons:
