Korinna Schumann is Austria’s Federal Minister of Labour, Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection. Her political and professional career has focused on social policy, labour rights, equality, social inclusion and strengthening social cohesion. Before joining the Federal Government, she served as President of the Austrian Federal Council and held senior positions in the Austrian Trade Union Federation (ÖGB).

As Federal Minister, her portfolio includes key policy areas affecting older persons, including social affairs, health, long-term care, pensions and senior citizens’ policy. Her work places particular emphasis on social participation, social security and enabling people to live and age with dignity and autonomy.

Loneliness and social connection are also an important focus of her work. In the Austrian report Loneliness in Austria, Schumann emphasises that loneliness is not merely an individual experience but a societal challenge shaped by social, economic and health-related circumstances. She advocates making loneliness visible without stigmatising those affected and strengthening social participation, reducing poverty, promoting health and fostering community. These priorities are closely connected to the central themes of ICOLAHR 2027 and its focus on loneliness, social connection and the human rights of older persons.