PVBLIC Foundation, Fundación Memorial Papa Francisco, and Fundación Eta Grande Sign Manifesto for the Rights of Older Persons

Image (from left to right): H.E. Mons. Vincenzo Paglia, President of Fondazione Età Grande and President Emeritus of the Pontifical Academy for Life; Sergio Fernández de Córdova, Executive Chairman, PVBLIC Foundation; Dr. D. Javier Belda Iniesta, Lawyer specialized in Canon Law, Memorial Papa Francisco; and Román Rodríguez, Member of the Board of Directors, PVBLIC Foundation. Image by David Nicholas.

As part of its flagship week of convenings during the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly, PVBLIC Foundation hosted the 2025 Cumbre de Impacto Iberoamericano, where it joined Fundación Memorial Papa Francisco and Fundación Eta Grande in signing the Manifesto for the Rights of Older Persons.

The Cumbre, which convened Heads of State, ministers, private sector leaders, and changemakers from across the Ibero-American region, highlighted the power of collaboration and shared purpose in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Within this high-level context, the signing of the Manifesto marked a milestone for social inclusion and human rights, calling for the recognition of older persons as essential contributors to the fabric of society.

The Manifesto for the Rights of Older Persons underscores a collective vision rooted in dignity, solidarity, and global responsibility. It affirms that aging is a universal experience that must be lived with respect and justice, and calls for the creation of an International Agency for the Protection and Implementation of the Rights of Older Persons, a platform designed to mobilize knowledge, partnerships, and resources in support of this cause.

Image (from left to right): H.E. Mons. Vincenzo Paglia, President of Fondazione Età Grande and President Emeritus of the Pontifical Academy for Life; Sergio Fernández de Córdova, Executive Chairman, PVBLIC Foundation; Dr. D. Javier Belda Iniesta, Lawyer specialized in Canon Law, Memorial Papa Francisco, and Román Rodríguez, Member of the Board of Directors, PVBLIC Foundation. Image by David Nicholas.

Through the Manifesto, the signatories pledge to:

• Elevate visibility and awareness of the realities and contributions of older persons,

• Build alliances across public, private, and social institutions to uphold this shared vision,

• Promote a cultural shift centered on dignity, justice, and intergenerational equality, and

• Advance toward the establishment of the International Agency as a collaborative space for action, advocacy, and hope.

By joining forces, PVBLIC Foundation, Fundación Memorial Papa Francisco, and Fundación Eta Grande reaffirm their belief that protecting the rights of older persons is essential to protecting the future of humanity itself. This partnership represents not only a declaration of shared values but also a tangible step toward building inclusive societies that honor wisdom, experience, and the intrinsic worth of every generation.

Watch the full session here: