The Observatory joins the Global Alliance for the Rights of Older People as Full Member

A milestone for active ageing and human rights in Cyprus: the Cyprus Third Age Observatory has officially become a full member of the Global Alliance for the Rights of Older People (GAROP). Joining this prestigious international coalition, which comprises more than 400 civil society organisations, marks a major leap forward for the organisation.

By securing an official seat at the global table, the Observatory transitions from a dedicated regional advocacy body to an influential player on the world stage. This full membership unlocks direct access to high-level international policy forums, empowering the organisation to actively push for a legally binding UN Convention on the Rights of Older Persons, while bringing cutting-edge international research, frameworks, and advocacy strategies directly to the island.

For Cyprus, this achievement represents a strategic triumph, positioning the country at the forefront of the global movement for the rights of older persons. As demographic shifts 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 partnership acts as a catalyst for local progress, bringing international human rights standards and accountability to the domestic stage.

Additionally, it provides unprecedented momentum to accelerate policy reforms, combat ageism, and strengthen social safety nets in the country. Through this strategic alliance, the Cyprus Third Age Observatory not only elevates its own mission but firmly establishes Cyprus as a nation committed to dignity, equality, and respect for older generations.

The joint delegation of the two organisations to the UN Open-ended Working Group on Ageing in Geneva in July 2026 marked a decisive chapter in their shared mission to reshape global policy on ageing. Standing shoulder to shoulder in the halls of the Palais des Nations, their collective effort turned local insights into international leverage, ensuring that the lived experiences of older persons were placed at the heart of high-level diplomatic discussions.