Say YEBO to Action on Ageing: Preview of the 17th IFA Global Conference in Cape Town!
By Claudia Delgadillo, International Federation on Ageing
Cape Town is calling – and the world of ageing is getting ready to answer with a resounding “YEBO!” From 9–12 September 2025, more than 1,200 experts, advocates and innovators from over 60 countries will gather at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) for the 17th Global Conference on Ageing. Hosted by the International Federation on Ageing (IFA) in partnership with North‑West University, this landmark event marks the midpoint of the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing and promises four days of rigorous dialogue, new partnerships and bold action.
Why This Conference Matters –
- 10 Key Themes, One Shared Goal – From Age‑Friendly Environments to Brain Health and Human Rights, the program spans ten inter‑connected tracks designed to drive inclusive, rights‑based change for older people everywhere.
- A Spotlight on Africa – As the continent’s older population grows faster than any other region, South Africa provides a vital stage to highlight local innovation and global solidarity.
- Evidence → Policy → Practice – The conference focuses on converting evidence into policies that deliver real‑world impact.
Your Week at a Glance –
Monday, 8 September • Discovery Day:
Choose from immersive community tours that showcase Cape Town’s most innovative ageing; whether it’s Neighborhood Old Age Homes (NOAH), the historic District Six Storytelling Tour, or a scenic visit to Val de Vie Evergreen in the Paarl Valley. (Limited seats; additional fee.)
Tuesday, 9 September • Pre‑Conference:
| Event | Highlights |
| Masterclasses | Deep‑dive skill‑building with leading practitioners |
| Age‑Friendly Environments Summit | Collaborative action to help cities thrive in place |
| Opening Ceremony and Keynote plus! Welcome Reception | Network with delegates and set the conference tone |
Wednesday, 10 September • Day 1:
Day 1 will open with a focus on a wide range of abstract presentations, focused symposia, and a special screening of the acclaimed documentary Human Forever.
- Keynote: Nana Araba Apt Memorial Lecture
- Presidential Symposium: Reframing the Ageing Agenda – Empowering Older Women
- Abstract presentations, focus symposia and a special screening of the record‑breaking documentary “Human Forever.”
Thursday, 11 September • Day 2:
Day 2 will delve into life course immunization and offer deep dives into topics like evolving family structures, brain health, and progress on the Decade of Healthy Ageing. The day will close with an optional Gala Dinner for networking and celebration.
Friday, 12 September • Day 3:
On the final day, attention turns to intergenerational connections, technology, and economic resilience, concluding with a call to action to sustain momentum well beyond the event.
Plan Your YEBO Experience!
- Submit Your Abstracts: Showcase your research or program!
While the abstract submission deadline has passed, there may still be an opportunity to share late-breaking research—please reach out to Mr. Xavier Rodrigues at xrodrigues@ifa.ngo for individual consideration.
- Become a Sponsor: Align your brand with global healthy ageing leadership.
Amplify your organization’s impact! Become a sponsor and align your brand with global leadership in healthy ageing.
- Arriving early? Make the most of your time by joining a pre-conference experience, including the Discovery Day and the AFE Summit.
Ready to raise your voice for healthy ageing? Take a look at the Conference Program at a glance here!
See you in Cape Town!