21st International Congress of Universities of the Third Age

This biannual conference is an opportunity to meet and exchange ideas for all those dealing with the well being and continued training of older persons.

Its 21st edition focused on three general areas, drawn from the Charter of the Earth (Rio de Janeiro 1992). Leading to nine more closely defined subjects, the conference invited participants to develop action plans applicable to the activities of their local organizations.

Citizenship (position of the individual in society)

It implies an ethical stance and solidarity, rights and responsibilities.

What action should be taken, in your sphere of influence, on the following subject?

• Safeguarding peace
• Safeguarding economic justice
• Preventing violence (respect of the physical and psychological well-being of others)

Cultural Heritage

Safeguarding the diversity of local cultures. How to protect:

• Different ways of life
• Languages
• Artistic traditions

Information

Information is the basis of our knowledge of people and things. Incorrect information adversely affects our understanding of people and facts.

What system would permit:

• The analysis of sources and of their objectivity
• The objective assessment of information
• The distribution of objective information

Preparation

To facilitate discussion, the conference participants looked at the following 5 questions for each of the topics.

Taking your local conditions into account:

1. What is already being done in your region?
2. What projects should be undertaken in your region?
3. What is your U3A doing in this domain?
4. What ought your U3A to be doing?
5. What resources would be needed by your U3A for these projects to be realized?