Event highlights
Researchers, WHO collaborating centres and academic partners from across Europe came together in The Hague for a focused 2‑day dialogue on how evidence can drive real‑world impact for the forthcoming “WHO European Strategy on Ageing is Living: Promoting a Lifetime of Health and Well‑being (2026–2030)”.
Co‑organized by WHO/Europe and The Hague University of Applied Sciences, the meeting brought together institutions formally designated by WHO as collaborating centres –recognized for their long‑term technical expertise and role in supporting WHO’s work – alongside leading research partners. The objective was clear: move beyond knowledge generation to strengthen the tools, guidance and research priorities that countries will need to implement the strategy.
Discussions spanned all 4 action areas of the strategy – prioritizing prevention, transforming care ecosystems, creating enabling environments and challenging ageism – alongside the cross‑cutting enablers of leadership, investment, innovation, capacity and data. Participants shared concrete examples of how research can inform integrated care models, age‑friendly communities, dementia‑inclusive environments and the measurement of functional ability and equity.
A central outcome of the meeting was a shared commitment to establishing a WHO European Network of Collaborating Centres and Partners on Healthy Ageing and Long‑term Care. The proposed network would enable a more coordinated approach across disciplines and countries – aligning research agendas, accelerating knowledge translation and supporting Member States with practical, evidence‑based solutions.
“Strategies succeed when evidence is usable and connected to action,” said Dr Natasha Azzopardi Muscat, Director of Health Systems and Policies, WHO/Europe. “WHO collaborating centres play a vital role in turning research into tools that countries, cities and services can actually use to strengthen health and care systems.”
Ms Elisabeth Minnemann, Chair of the Executive Board of The Hague University of Applied Sciences, underscored the importance of applied research. “Healthy ageing demands research that works in practice. Universities have a responsibility to ensure that evidence supports dignity, independence and inclusion, especially as societies adapt to demographic change.”
The meeting was co‑organized with Professor Luc de Witte, Professor of Technology for Health Care and Director of the Research Group Technology for Health Care at The Hague University of Applied Sciences, and Professor Joost van Hoof, Professor of Urban Ageing, whose leadership helped anchor discussions firmly in implementation realities.
As WHO/Europe moves toward formal consultations with Member States in 2026, input from WHO collaborating centres and academic partners will continue to shape the strategy’s evidence base, ensuring that “Ageing is Living” is not only scientifically sound, but deliverable across diverse national and local contexts.