Let’s join forces for greater solidarity and cooperation between generations!
Since 2008, AGE has been involved in an awareness-raising campaign to attract the attention of politicians at European, national, regional and local levels on how to rethink the concept of solidarity and cooperation between generations and bring more intergenerational fairness and social justice.
The cornerstone of this campaign is the European Day of Solidarity between Generations, celebrated on 29th April since 2009. The EU Day offers the momentum to raise awareness of the positive impact intergenerational links have in the context of population ageing and remind of the key role each generation plays – and should be empowered to play – to ensure a sustainable future for all.
Connecting generations: key to fight ageism & build a society for all ages
Ageism and negative attitudes towards certain age groups are dividing people of different generations and creating barriers to their full inclusion and participation in society. Those stereotypes, acquired at a very young age, usually arise from a lack of understanding of the realities in which other age groups live. Fostering regular interaction among people from different age groups can help break down stereotypes, enhancing awareness of the diversity of situations within an age group and of the common challenges being faced.
At the same time, promoting intergenerational solidarity and cooperation can help respond to some of our current societal challenges, in making the best use of what all of us can contribute regardless of our age. And with real economic and social benefits for all.
In 2008: At a EU Conference in Brdo, Slovenia on 28 – 29 April 2008 the Slovenian Presidency of the European Union announced that it was proposing to declare 29 April European Day of solidarity and cooperation between generations. The first EU Day was officially launched on 29 April 2009.
In 2009 and 2010, AGE published two major publications explaining the challenge of solidarity between generations and its role in achieving social cohesion and addressing demographic ageing:
This year, to mark the 15th edition of the European Day, we have joined forces with the the European Youth Forum (EYF) to launch a common Declaration entitled “United Across Generations.” Drafted as part of the MEET Project, our declaration calls for the next European Parliament mandate to promote the societal benefits of intergenerational solidarity dialogue.
In a dedicated Special Briefing, we call for breaking silos and celebrating what unites young and old. Ahead of the EU elections, we have also asked Members of the European Parliament to reflect on the importance of fostering a ‘culture’ of solidarity between generations.
Use the logo of the EU Day (available in several EU languages) on your website, social media or on any relevant publication to mark the Day.
Organize around that day an intergenerational event, policy debate, or activity at grass root level and share the information with us for dissemination. (Some ideas of intergenerational activities can be found below).
Send us your intergenerational projects or good practices for further promotion within AGE network.
If you wish to share with us your work, activities or examples of practice that promote intergenerational solidarity, please contact Anne Mélard, Information and Communication Officer, anne.melard@age-platform.eu
