Washington, DC, 25 August 2025 (PAHO) - Government officials, experts, and partners from across the Region of the Americas gathered today for the High-Level Meeting of Affiliate Programs of the Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities (GNAFCC). The event highlighted the critical role of national and subnational programs, and affiliate initiatives in advancing environments that support inclusive and healthy aging.
The GNAFCC, established by the World Health Organization in 2010, has grown into a movement of more than 1,700 members worldwide. The Region of the Americas is the fastest growing, with over 1,000 cities and communities committed to become age-friendly, across 18 countries. The countries with the largest number of cities in the GNAFCC are the United States of America, Chile, Canada, Mexico and Brazil. In all of them, national or subnational programs and affiliate members promote the initiative. Affiliate programs - entities that provide strategic leadership - have been central to this growth.
“Cities and communities play a vital role in shaping how people experience aging. By fostering inclusive and supportive environments, we can ensure that older people live with dignity, health, and purpose,” said PAHO Director, Dr. Jarbas Barbosa.
Today’s meeting brought together two affiliate programs, one from the United States of America and the other from Brazil, to exchange experiences, strengthen coordination, and advance joint efforts aligned with the United Nations Decade of Healthy Aging (2021–2030).
“This gathering is a timely opportunity to reaffirm the vital role that cities, communities, and leaders at every level play in shaping the experience of aging in our Region,” reflected Dr. Rhonda Sealey-Thomas, PAHO’s Assistant Director.
During the meeting, representatives from Paraná State, Brazil, highlighted the strategies already in place and outlined the state´s plan to advance in age friendly strategy as a new affiliate member. Representatives from AARP’s Livable Communities program also shared lessons learned from their nationwide work in the United States, while local leaders from Montgomery County presented their local actions. The examples shared underscore the diversity and vitality of age-friendly efforts across the Region and the role of affiliate programs in supporting implementation. The dialogue demonstrated the value of sharing experiences and fostering collaboration among affiliates and communities across different levels of government, stakeholders and countries.
Paraná becomes new Affiliate Program of the GNAFCC
As part of the day’s events, the State of Paraná, Brazil, was officially recognized as a new Affiliate Program of the GNAFCC. This marks a milestone for Brazil and Latin America, reflecting Paraná’s strong political commitment and its institutional capacity to advance age-friendly environments.
Currently, 38 municipalities in Paraná are members of the GNAFCC, with a commitment to expand participation to more than 240 municipalities by 2028. The state’s leadership in aging policy has been institutionalized as a public policy priority, supported by multisectoral collaboration and direct engagement of older people.
"We are here today not only to receive recognition from PAHO for our public policies in Paraná, but also to engage with other members from the Global Network and learn from what regions across Latin America and North America are doing, so that Paraná can continue to inspire other states in Brazil to develop policies that protect older adults," stated Governor Carlos Roberto Massa Júnior.
Protocol Meeting and Certificate Handover
Ahead of the high-level discussions, a closed protocol meeting was held to formalize Paraná’s new status as an Affiliate Program. During the meeting, PAHO Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa formally handed over a certificate of affiliation to Governor Carlos Roberto Massa Júnior. Both underscored the importance of Paraná’s role in advancing healthy aging, not only in Brazil but also as a model for other subnational initiatives in the Americas and beyond.
“Paraná’s affiliation with the Global Network marks an important milestone for Brazil and the Region. PAHO remains committed to supporting efforts that promote healthy, dignified, and active aging at the local level,” said PAHO Director, Dr. Jarbas Barbosa.
Looking ahead
With an expanding set of affiliate programs, the Region is positioning itself as a global leader in advancing the UN Decade of Healthy Aging. Through initiatives like Paraná’s, alongside pioneering work in different countries of the Region, PAHO and its partners are working to ensure that cities and communities become better places for people of all ages to live, grow, and age with dignity.
