This report represents UNFPA’s contribution to a global stocktaking exercise to mark the 15th anniversary of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (MIPAA) which was adopted at the Second World Assembly on Ageing in April 2002. This report is one of six that are are being prepared by UNFPA and which complement the regional review reports prepared by respective UN Regional Commissions. It contributes to the cooperation programme on ageing that exists between the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the UNFPA Regional Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia (EECARO). It is a technical, analytical report that reflects demographic analysis, direct experiences, literature review and policy and programme assessments. In addition, it focuses on a specific subset of countries: in this case the UNFPA programme countries in the Eastern Europe and Central Asia (EECA) region.

It is hoped that this analytical UNFPA report will contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the implementation and challenges ahead of the Madrid International Plan of Action and inspire governments and non-governmental actors to share good practices and learn from successful examples.