A/HRC/26/46 49. David Obot, chairman of the Uganda Reach the Aged Association, described the work of his organization, including through international cooperation, to champion the realization and preservation of a dignified quality of life for older persons. The organization conducted participatory research, contributed to national policy development, campaigned for changes in policy and allocation of dedicated budget lines, supported projects, and contributed to joint NGO reports to United Nations treaty bodies. A 400-kilometre walk had been organized to raise awareness of older persons’ issues and the organization trained paralegals to intervene to prevent the displacement of older persons from their land. It also cooperated with HelpAge International to improve access to donor funds. Ongoing challenges to those efforts included the lack of a binding international convention on the rights of older persons, inadequate awareness, persistent violations and the combination of high expectations and limited resources. Mr. Obot called for continued advocacy, evidencebased research to improve and inform policy-making, and increased bilateral cooperation. 50. Abdelaziz Zguiouar, representative of AIDE-Fédération, described his organization as a humanitarian and development aid non-governmental organization, with a branch in Morocco since 1998. In Morocco, the organization had embarked on initiatives to promote the rights of older persons, in collaboration with government authorities. These included a home and care facility for 60 older persons near Rabat, and an observatory for the rights of older persons. The home and care centre project had been launched by the King of Morocco. 51. In the ensuing discussion, representatives of the Ligue Marocaine, the Association of World Citizens, AIDE-Fédération, and CORV addressed the important role of bilateral cooperation in strengthening the enjoyment of older persons’ rights and how it could be further reinforced. One suggestion was to promote the participation of older persons and their representative organizations, including through improved access to digital technology. Another was to establish regional councils of older persons on every continent with special attention to migrants and other vulnerable groups. Widespread support had been voiced for an international convention to guarantee the rights of older persons. Speakers called for intergenerational solidarity, improved data collection to inform cooperative efforts and the use of national observatories to study relevant issues and share good practices. 52. In her concluding remarks, Ms. Bashtovenko highlighted the importance of improved cooperation and organization for older persons’ rights at the local level and for the participation of older persons and civil society. She advocated improved access to funding through self-assistance networks and councils, which could develop proposals to promote cooperation with governments. Mr. Obot stated that collaboration must be global, with well-known organizations taking a lead role to ensure transparency and accountability. Mr. Jessurun observed that public meetings, marches and other activities could be used to increase awareness of older persons’ rights and were particularly powerful when organized by coalitions that represented a broad spectrum of society. He reiterated the importance of intergenerational cooperation, citing the successful engagement of his organization with labour unions. Mr. Zguiouar stressed the need for everyone, including philosophers, researchers and doctors, to think about providing long-term care with dignity and intergenerational solidarity. I. Experiences and opportunities for regional cooperation 53. Matthias Kloth, an administrator in the Directorate General of Human Rights and Rule of Law of the Council of Europe, discussed the recently adopted non-binding recommendation of the Council of Europe regarding older persons’ rights. He called for the closing of the implementation gap on those issues, stressing that the new recommendation could constitute a step forward. The recommendation was grounded in the provisions of 14