Doha, Qatar: The Centre for Empowerment and Care of the Elderly (Ehsan), one of the centres affiliated with the Qatar Foundation for Social Work, participated in the first session of the Intergovernmental Working Group on Older Persons held at the United Nations headquarters in Geneva from July 12 to 17, 2026, reaffirming Qatar’s commitment to advancing the rights and well-being of older persons at the international level.
The centre was represented by its Executive Director, Manal Ahmed Al Mannai, alongside representatives of UN member states, UN agencies, international organizations and civil society organizations from around the world.
The inaugural session marked a significant milestone as it launched the first formal intergovernmental negotiations aimed at drafting a legally binding international convention dedicated to protecting and promoting the rights of older persons. The proposed convention seeks to strengthen legal safeguards, uphold dignity and encourage the active participation of older persons in society.
Ehsan Centre said its participation reflects its commitment to supporting international efforts to promote and protect the rights of older persons while strengthening the role of civil society organisations in global policy discussions. The centre noted that its engagement aligns with its mission to empower older persons, enhance their quality of life and advocate for their rights at both the national and international levels.
During the session, participants held in-depth discussions on the core principles that should underpin the future convention, including independence, non-discrimination, social participation, access to care and essential services, and protection from all forms of neglect and abuse. The deliberations highlighted the growing global consensus on the need for more comprehensive legal protection for older persons.
Commenting on the participation, Manal Ahmed Al Mannai described the session as a historic milestone in the global movement to strengthen the rights of older persons.
She said the meeting establishes the first government-led negotiations to develop a binding international convention focused specifically on older persons’ rights, emphasizing that civil society organizations have a vital role in shaping international policies by sharing practical experiences that reflect the real needs of older people.
Al Mannai stressed that investing in the rights of older persons is an investment in stronger and more sustainable societies, adding that building a comprehensive international framework requires genuine partnerships among governments, international organizations and civil society. She said Ehsan’s participation provides an opportunity to enhance international cooperation, exchange expertise and showcase successful experiences that contribute to improving the quality of life, dignity and independence of older persons.
The centre added that its participation forms part of its broader efforts to keep pace with international developments in the field of older persons’ rights, strengthen cooperation with regional and international partners, and support the development of initiatives, programs and services for older persons while reinforcing its position as a leading civil society organization in the field.
