Pre-Register for the International Conference on Loneliness and Human Rights of Older Persons 2027

10 – 12 February 2027 – Vienna (Museumsquartier – Libelle)

The International Conference on Loneliness and the Human Rights of Older Persons (ICOLAHR 2027) will take place in Vienna, Austria, from 10–12 February 2027. Hosted by Federal Minister Korinna Schumann, the conference is organised by the Austrian Federal Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection, in close cooperation with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

Bringing together policymakers, representatives of international organizations, academia, civil society and practitioners from around the world, the conference will explore the relationship between loneliness, healthy ageing and the human rights of older persons. Through keynote speeches, panel discussions and interactive sessions, participants will exchange evidence, share good practices and strengthen international cooperation to promote dignity, participation, social inclusion and human rights in ageing societies.

Pre-Register here!

Conference Days & Programme

10 February 2027

Welcome Reception

In the afternoon, dedicated space will be available for civil society organizations and other stakeholders to meet, network and exchange ideas. This informal gathering aims to foster international cooperation and strengthen partnerships on loneliness and the human rights of older persons.

The conference will open with a Welcome Reception at the Libelle in the MuseumsQuartier. The reception will provide participants with an opportunity to meet colleagues from around the world, establish new professional connections and exchange ideas in an informal setting before the start of the conference programme.

11 February 2027

Loneliness & Social Isolation

The second day of ICOLAHR 2027 will mark the official opening of the conference by Federal Minister Korinna Schumann. The programme will focus on loneliness & social isolation as a major social, public health and human rights challenge, particularly in ageing societies.

International experts, policymakers, representatives of international organizations, academia, civil society and practitioners will discuss the causes and consequences of loneliness, share promising approaches and explore how dignity, participation, social inclusion and the human rights of older persons can be strengthened.

12 February 2027

Human Rights of Older Persons

The third day of ICOLAHR 2027 will focus on the human rights of older persons and will serve as an intersessional meeting of the Intergovernmental Working Group on the Human Rights of Older Persons (IGWG).

Representatives of governments, international organizations, academia and civil society will discuss the current international process, key human rights challenges and the potential impact of a new international legal instrument. The programme will also explore the role of Europe and Austria in advancing the protection, dignity, autonomy and participation of older persons.