The Committee on Ageing at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, (NGOCOA-NY) is affiliated with the Conference of Non-governmental Organizations (CONGO) and works to raise world awareness of the opportunities and challenges of global ageing.
The membership of the Committee on Ageing - NY represents both international and national organizations, some that are solely concerned with ageing issues while others embody them within a broader framework. Committee members meet each month from September through June to hear presentations on critical priorities and emerging issues under discussion at the United Nations, such as the 5-year review and appraisal of the 2002 Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (MIPAA) at the Commission on Social Development (CSocD) in 2008, and the adoption of a Convention on Disability.
The Committee also sponsors special events and projects, most notably the annual celebration of the International Day of Older Persons (IDOP) held in early October, to which the public is invited.
Committee membership is open to individuals as well as those persons who represent organizations in formal status with the United Nations. The work of NGOCOA is guided by its Executive Committee which meets on the third Wednesday of the month. Committee representatives are encouraged to voice concerns and share expertise on ageing issues that relate to the UN agenda through attendance of UN Conferences and meetings, for example the UN Commissions on Social Development (CSocD), Sustainable Development (CSD), and the Status of Women (CSW) Position statements voicing concerns on ageing issues that relate to a Commission’s agenda are often prepared by the Committee on Ageing and delivered during sessions. Commission meetings offer opportunities for the Committee to present its views on the subject under Commission discussion and to the delegates in informal meetings as well. The Committee also organizes special programmes, or side events to the Commission.
Throughout the year, the Committee works to promote the implementation of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (MIPAA), which contains many suggestions for action which benefiting older persons. Additionally, the Committee networks with UN Missions, United Nations Agency Focal Points on Ageing and other non-governmental committees at United Nations Headquarter in New York and elsewhere. It maintains contact with UN/NGO Committees on Ageing in Geneva and Vienna and has a close relationship with the UN Programme on Ageing, headquartered in New York.