An important development for the protection of the rights of older people in Cyprus is the inclusion of the Cyprus Observatory of the Elderly as a full member of the Global Alliance for the Rights of Older People (GAROP), strengthening the country's participation in international discussions on active ageing and the protection of older people.
As stated in a press release, the inclusion of the Observatory in this prestigious international coalition, in which more than 400 civil society organizations participate, marks a huge leap forward for the organization.
By securing a formal seat at the global table, the Observatory transitions from a dedicated regional rights advocate to an actor with substantial influence on the global stage. This full membership unlocks direct access to high-level international policy forums, empowering the organization to actively advance the drive for a legally binding UN Convention on the Rights of the Age, while bringing groundbreaking international research, frameworks, and advocacy strategies directly to the island.
For Cyprus, this achievement represents a strategic triumph that places the country at the forefront of the global movement for the rights of older people. As demographic changes reshape societies worldwide, full membership in GAROP ensures that the perspectives and needs of older Cypriots are heard loud and clear in international forums. Most importantly, this cooperation acts as a catalyst for local progress, transferring international-level standards of human rights and accountability to the domestic scene.
In addition, it provides unprecedented momentum to accelerate policy reforms, eliminate ageism and strengthen social safety nets in the country. Through this strategic alliance, the Cyprus Observatory for the Elderly not only elevates its own mission but firmly solidifies Cyprus as a country committed to dignity, equality, and respect for the elderly.
The joint delegation of the two organizations to the Intergovernmental Working Group on Older Persons at the UN in Geneva in July 2026, marked a pivotal chapter in their joint mission to reshape global ageing policy. Standing shoulder to shoulder in the halls of the Palais des Nations, their collective effort turned local knowledge into an international lever, ensuring that the experiential experiences of older people were at the center of high-level diplomatic discussions.
