DThe Global Agenda Council on the Ageing Society: Policy Principles

In 2008, the World Economic Forum (WEF) created the Global Agenda Councils – an amalgamation of scientists, public policy makers, academics, physicians and business leaders with the task of devising transformational innovation in global governance for the purpose of advancing knowledge and collaboratively developing solutions for the most crucial issues facing humanity. Because of its overarching effect on many aspects of society, a Council was created to address global issues associated with an ageing society. The Councils have the task of challenging prevailing assumptions, monitoring trends, proposing solutions, devising strategies, making public policy proposals and evaluating the effectiveness of actions using measurable benchmarks. This report is the first product of the WEF’s Council on the Ageing Society – our goal is to lay down the initial principles that will guide our actions in the coming years. According to conventional wisdom, growing numbers of people living to advanced ages pose challenges for developing and mature societies alike (Longman, 1987; Peterson, 2000). Doomsayers assert that elders will increasingly claim a disproportionate share of financia