Geneva, 17 February 2026
Dear friends,
The social-democratically inspired senior citizens’ organisations in Europe, united in ESO, the European Senior Organisation, are delighted that we can finally begin discussing an international treaty for the protection of senior citizens’ rights within the framework of the United Nations. It’s time! Time is running out!
Today we are launching a dialogue on senior citizens’ rights. At a time when access to fundamental rights for senior citizens is being threatened by the increasing digitalization of access to benefits, services or allocations to which people are entitled, and by the bureaucracy in which our senior citizens, in particular, are becoming lost.
In this time of polarization, of retreating into oneself and one’s own identity… In this era where short-sighted populist views are gaining ground, questioning and obstructing the international institutions that strive for peace, development, cooperation and health for all; it is time for action. Action to protect fundamental rights, action to protect the international institutions that promote these rights and provide a platform for dialogue between nations, between peoples, between continents.
Therefore, based on our social-democratic convictions, ESO appeal to our political leaders: time is running; let’s pull together to safeguard our international institutions and our fundamental rights!
Let us use these negotiations as an example of cooperation between civil society and politics. Civil society, organised citizens, are a driving force in politics and for common interests. Let us, older citizens, participate, through our organisations, in discussions and decisions about our rights.
Nothing about us, without us! And yes, being “old” should not be “out.”
Jos Bertrand
President ESO – PES-seniors
www.socialistseniors.eu