IFA

IFA Representatives to the UN

Extending IFA’s Global Voice

The International Federation on Ageing (IFA) has been a leading voice at the United Nations for over five decades—advancing the rights of older persons and shaping the global response to population ageing.

From early advocacy that helped catalyse the first World Assembly on Ageing in Vienna (1982), to contributions to the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (2002), IFA has played a consistent role in elevating ageing within global policy frameworks.

Today, this work is carried forward through a dedicated global network of voluntary IFA Representatives to the United Nations, extending IFA’s presence, insight and influence across key multilateral platforms.

Engage with IFA at the United Nations

IFA works with a global network of experts and partners to shape conversations and policies in support of population ageing, demographic change, and longer lives at the United Nations.

We engage individuals and organisations who can bring insight, evidence, and influence to global discussions. If you are interested in contributing to policy processes, strengthening advocacy, and collaborating on initiatives that shape longevity agendas worldwide, we invite you to connect with us and explore ways to engage.

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A Global Presence Across the UN System

Dr. Cynthia Stuen, New York Dr Cynthia Stuen is the Head, IFA Representatives to the UN. She is currently the Chair of the NGO Committee on Ageing (New York), having served as vice chair from 2015-2019. She was co-chair of the International Day of Older Persons 2015 event at the UN... View Profile
Adriane Berg Ms. Adriane Berg, New York Adriane Berg is a unique voice in the world of aging, bringing the public together with professionals in all fields related to aging and longevity and connecting professionals to break down silos of expertise. Her work in media has earned her an Emmy for hosting IRS Tax Beat, the Mature Media Award for her podcast, Generation Bold: The Fountain of Truth, and many guest appearances. View Profile
Dr. Alejandro Bonilla-Garcia, Geneva Dr. Alejandro Bonilla-Garcia has built a distinguished career focusing on the advancement of retirement systems and social protection. He began his professional journey as an Assistant Actuary at Mexico's National Statistical Office, later becoming the Deputy Director of the Planning Division of the Mexican Institute of Social Security where he managed actuarial calculations and social security planning. View Profile
Ms. Arjanita Elezaj, New York Arjanita Elezaj is a former journalist, leader and advocate with over 30 years of experience in program development, human rights, and nonprofit leadership. Her career has centered on advancing equity through older adult services, youth engagement, and women’s empowerment within immigrant and multicultural communities. View Profile
Dr. Jacqueline Stark, Vienna Jacqueline Stark, Ph.D., is the Chair of the NGO Committee on Ageing to the United Nations in Vienna and Austrian Representative of the International Federation on Ageing (Toronto, Canada) to the UN in Vienna. Formerly she was Senior Researcher on aphasiology for the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Neuropsycholinguistic Unit for over 43 years (until May 2017). View Profile
Dr. Kelly Fitzgerald, Geneva Dr Kelly Fitzgerald has a Master of Science and PhD in Gerontology from the University of Massachusetts Boston and a Master of Public Administration from Georgia State University. Currently she is a Graduate Faculty member at Western Kentucky University where she teaches online graduate and undergraduate gerontology courses and supports various research projects. View Profile
Dr. Maxim Beck, Vienna A senior executive with Over 35 years of international experience as VP, GM, and consultant for several global and international companies across the USA, Central Asia, China, the Middle East and Europe. View Profile
Ms. Valerie L. Levy, New York Valerie L. Levy has more than 45 years of experience and leadership in the field of ageing in the public sector. At present she represents IFA at the United Nations (since 2003) in New York as a member of the UN NGO Committee on Ageing (COA). View Profile