The Commissioner for Older People joined Age NI, the Commissioner for Children and Young People, Linking Generations NI and other community sector organisations to discuss the subject of intergenerational solutions to social issues.
As part of Global Intergenerational Week, the round table discussion explored the role of intergenerational approaches in policy influencing.
Siobhan Casey, The Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland said:
"I was delighted to co-chair today’s roundtable with Children’s Commissioner Chris Quinn, bringing together voices across generations to explore how we can address key social challenges through intergenerational collaboration.
From tackling poverty to improving care, education, and rights, today’s discussion showed that solutions are stronger when we recognise the shared challenges and contributions of all age groups.
Inclusion must go beyond words; it means ensuring that both older and younger people have real influence over the policies, services, and communities that shape their lives.
The insights shared today reaffirm that intergenerational collaboration is essential to building mutual understanding and creating a more sustainable, connected, and age-inclusive society."
Kellie Turtle, Age NI Head of Policy and Engagement comments:
“As part of Global Intergenerational Week Age NI are hosting this important conversation which has not taken place before. There are many examples of intergenerational practice in the delivery of projects and services, but often the dynamics of the policy arena force us back into silos. This event will gather intergenerational recommendations on four key social issues and begin the process of developing a set of principles for intergenerational policy advocacy and influencing.”
The discussion will be jointly chaired by Siobhan Casey, The Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People, Chris Quinn. Participants will be sharing their experience of how working through an intergenerational lens has helped develop more effective and sustainable solutions.
NI Commissioner for Children and Young People, Chris Quinn adds:
“Global Intergenerational Week reminds us that dignity, rights, and opportunity should never be limited by age. We all have a role to play in building a society that values every generation, whatever our stage in life.
“I’m really looking forward to working closely with the newly appointed Commissioner for Older People, not only during this important week and the event we are co-hosting, but throughout both of our terms in office. Together, we are committed to safeguarding the rights of our constituents, recognising that issues like poverty, care, education, and equality affect people of all ages.
This week is a powerful reminder that these are shared challenges, and they demand shared solutions. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the wisdom, energy, and experience that different generations bring to strengthen the bonds between them. When we create space for every voice to be heard and respected, we build stronger, more inclusive communities that work for everyone.
When younger and older people stand together, they do more than share stories; they shape solutions. I’m excited for the work ahead.”
The key themes for discussion will be poverty, social care, education and work, and equality and rights. Following the conversation, a short set of principles will be developed to encourage policy makers to adopt an intergenerational lens as a vital part of addressing social issues.
