The Vienna International Plan of Action on Ageing, adopted in 1982 by the World Assembly on Ageing, and endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly in its Resolution 37/51, recommended, inter alia, the promotion of training and research, as well as the exchange of information and knowledge in order to provide an international basis for social policies and action.
In this respect, the Plan recommended that practical training institutes should be promoted and encouraged so that they act as a practical bridge between and among developed and developing countries.
The UN Economic and Social Council, by its Resolution 1987/41 recommended to the UN Secretary-General, the establishment of the International Institute on Ageing. On the 9 October 1987, the United Nations signed an official agreement with the Government of Malta to establish the International Institute on Ageing as an autonomous body under the auspices of the United Nations. The Institute was inaugurated on 15 April, 1988 by the then United Nations Secretary-General, H.E. Mr. Javier Pérez de Cuéllar.
In keeping with the Institute’s training strategy aimed at developing better qualified and trained personnel, and on the basis of the curricula and training materials recommended by the respective Expert Group Meetings, the Institute holds a number of training programmes on an annual basis. These programmes are supported financially by UNFPA. Since its setting up, INIA has organised 93 international training programmes and trained 1835 candidates from 137 countries.
These training programmes are oriented towards persons coming from developing countries who hold positions as policy-makers, planners, programme executives, educators, professionals and para-professionals who work, or intend to work, in the field of ageing or with older persons. Preference in the selection of candidates is given to those who are in a position to pass on the knowledge obtained to others when back in their own country.
The Institute’s training programmes, as also its other activities, should be viewed in the light of the world-wide phenomenon of population ageing. The situation is particularly acute in developing countries where 55 per cent of the world’s older persons live today and where it is projected that this percentage will further rise to 72 per cent by the year 2025. This increase will have major effects on social development, policies and plans, and on the services for older persons. It is precisely due to the lack of appropriately trained personnel that developing countries are least prepared to meet the challenges of the population ageing phenomenon. Through its training programmes, INIA is, in its own way, helping these countries to be better equipped.
Ageing is a multi-disciplinary phenomenon. It is in this regard, that all of INIA’s training programmes, as designed by groups of international experts, though dealing with various aspects of ageing, are inter-disciplinary in content.
Since 1995 INIA has also started conducting training programmes in various countries throughout the world. Each “in situ” training programme is tailored to the respective country’s needs. During the past 13 years, INIA has conducted 56 such programmes in Barbados, Belarus, Federative Republic of Brazil, People’s Republic of China, Egypt, Republic of Ghana, Republic of India, State of Kuwait, Republic of Macedonia, Malaysia, United Mexican States, Republic of Panama, Republic of the Philippines, State of Qatar, Romania, Russian Federation, Republic of Singapore, Republic of South Africa, Kingdom of Thailand, Tunisian Republic, Republic of Turkey and United Arab Emirates. 1792 participants have benefited from these programmes.
INIA’s publications, which include a quarterly gerontological publication BOLD, also serve as another source of information exchange. In its drive for international cooperation, INIA is signatory to collaborative agreements with both United Nations Organisations and International Governmental and non-Governmental Organisations.
INIA also carries out Research Projects, hosts Expert Group Meetings, and offers Consultancy Services. A Collaborating Network has been set up with the aim of facilitating information exchange. Members can access information from over 59 Countries through INIA’s Network Membership.
INIA’s 2009 Training Programmes:
16—27 February
International Programme in Social Gerontology.
16—27 March
International Programme in Economic and Financial Aspects of Ageing.
4—15 May
International Programme in Medical Gerontology (Geriatrics).
12—23 October
International Programme in Policy Formulation,Planning,
Implementation and Monitoring of the
23 November—4 December
International Programme in Demographic Aspects of Population Ageing and its Implications for Socio- Economic Development, Policies and Plans.
October 2009 - June 2010
International Post-Graduate Diploma in Gerontology and Geriatrics (European Centre for Gerontology,
Application Procedure:
Interested persons and organisations may apply by sending the following:
· An application form which is available through the Institute’s web-site or directly from INIA or from UNFPA representatives and UNDP offices in the applicant’s own country.
· Proof of proficiency in English.
· A letter of recommendation from the Director of the applicant’s place of work.
· A personal letter (giving reasons for attending the programme).
· Copies of relevant certificates.
Completed forms should reach INIA by not later than the closing date indicated for each respective programme.
Programme Fee
The cost for participating in a Programme is US$1,750. This includes full board accommodation, tuition and accident insurance for the period covering the participant’s stay in
With support from UNFPA and other organisations, a limited number of scholarships are awarded by INIA to leading candidates for the training programmes and the Post-Graduate Diploma. Candidates are, however, encouraged to seek alternative funding in order to enhance their chances of selection.
Interested persons and organisations may apply on line or by sending a completed application form to:
The Director
International Institute on Ageing, United Nations -
117, St. Paul Street
Valletta VLT 1216 - MALTA
Tel: (356) 2124 3044/5/6
Fax: (356) 2123 0248
E-mail: info@inia.org.mt
Web site: http://www.inia.org.mt
Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.
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