The collaborative vision for an inclusive and resilient ASEAN took a significant step forward as the ASEAN Centre for Active Ageing and Innovation (ACAI) convened the Country Coordinator Knowledge Exchange and Training in Narita, Japan, from 27–30 October 2025. Following the successful Regional Action Plan Drafting Workshop in Bangkok, this critical meeting served as the mechanism to deepen country-level engagement and translate the regional ambition of the Regional Action Plan on Active Ageing (RAP) into concrete national roadmaps.

The Bangkok workshop in September laid the groundwork by aligning with ACAI’s 5-Year Strategic Plan (2025–2029) and exploring the four thematic pillars of Active Ageing: Health, Economic and Financial Security, Social Participation, and Environment. The training in Narita built on this foundation, allowing Country Coordinators (CCs) the national ageing focal points nominated by each ASEAN Member State to clarify their distinct national priorities. The core purpose was to ensure that the diverse contexts and needs of all ASEAN Member States are fully reflected in the draft Regional Action Plan, which will be technically robust and regionally owned.

The Strengthening Institutional and Organizational Capacity for Promotion of Healthy Ageing Partnership of ASEAN Centre for Active Ageing and Innovation (ACAI) project is supported by the Government of Japan through the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF).