Bangkok and Rayong, 8–11 September 2025: The global demographic landscape is being reshaped by advances in healthcare, technological progress, and declining birth rates. Preparing societies to adapt to and contribute meaningfully within ageing populations has become an imperative. Responding to this challenge, ERIA reaffirmed its commitment to promoting and supporting healthy and active ageing initiatives across ASEAN and beyond.

In collaboration with the ASEAN Centre for Active Ageing and Innovation (ACAI), Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF) and the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), ERIA co-organised and supported the ACAI Regional Action Plan Drafting Workshop on Active Ageing. The 4-day workshop consisted of two parts: technical sessions in Bangkok (8–9 September) and a 2-day field visit to Rayong.

Adopting a participatory and collaborative approach, the workshop brought together ASEAN Country Coordinators (CCs), ACAI-affiliated experts, and other stakeholders to develop a Regional Action Plan tailored to the region’s diverse demographic, cultural, and policy contexts, while aligning with global commitments.

The workshop commenced with remarks from:
1. Dr Sopon Iamsirithaworn, Head of the Inspector-General at the Ministry of Public Health, Thailand
2. Mr Naoki Minamiguchi, Director of the JAIF Management Team
3. Dr Kapil Kapoor, Regional Director of IDRC
4. Dr Manami Uechi, Director of Healthcare Services at ERIA

In her address, Dr Uechi stressed the importance of collective action to build sustainable systems that offer quality and accessible services as well as equitable and holistic care for older persons.

‘ERIA believes that health and well-being is a vital component of a hopeful and prosperous society. Therefore, to create a healthier, active, and brighter future, strengthening our cooperation and mutual support is essential. The Regional Action Plan Drafting Workshop we are convening for this week highlights our championing efforts and shared commitment to fostering a system that delivers affordable, accessible, equitable, and quality services and support for older persons, thereby creating more opportunities so that they can enjoy successful ageing.’

Before the discussions, Dr Vo Hue Man, Plan and Policy Analyst of ACAI, shared an overview of ACAI’s 5-Year Strategic Plan and the rationale behind developing the Regional Action Plan on Active Ageing. Presentations from ASEAN country coordinators followed, along with group discussions focused on four key themes: health, economic and financial security, social participation, and age-friendly environments. Moderators included experts such as Mr Shintaro Nakamura (JICA), Prof. Sri Moertiningsih Adioetomo (University of Indonesia), Dr Wassana Im-em (UNFPA), and Dr Mikiko Kanda (WHO WPRO).

The field visits highlighted best practices in community-based and collaborative care. Rayong Province’s Map Ta Phut Municipality, an industrial area where nearly one-quarter of residents are older persons, showcased its integrated long-term care model combining health services, social participation, and digital innovation. Meanwhile, Kledkaew Municipality in Chonburi Province demonstrated a successful collaborative care model involving care managers and caregivers, effectively addressing the complex needs of dependent older adults.

Through this workshop, ERIA continues to play a pivotal role in supporting ASEAN’s journey towards an inclusive, healthy, and active ageing society, where every individual, regardless of age, gender, health status, or socio-economic background, can live with dignity and purpose.

To realise this vision, ERIA has launched several pioneering initiatives aimed at supporting older persons across the region. These include:
• a longitudinal study on ageing and health (LSAH),
• an assessment of the demand and supply of human resources for long-term care,
• reviews and promotion of active ageing policies,
• enhancement of regional information-sharing and networking on healthy ageing,
• the financial sustainability of integrated care for older persons (FISCO) project, and
• efforts to strengthen access to healthcare and outreach services for older persons.

ERIA also co-hosted the ACAI Consultative Meeting on the 5-Year Strategic Plan in February 2025, as well as the SOMSWD Regional Workshop on Technical Assistance to Provide Access and Opportunity for Older Persons in ASEAN, held in May 2025 in Cambodia. Looking ahead, ERIA will co-host the 23rd ASEAN–Japan High-level Officials Meeting on Caring Societies in Narita, Japan, in late October 2025, in collaboration with Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare. This meeting will focus on promoting sustainable support systems for ageing populations across the region, reinforcing ERIA’s ongoing commitment to fostering active, equitable, and sustainable ageing societies in ASEAN Member States and beyond.