Intergenerational solidarity has proven to promote social cohesiveness over time. This is true particularly in the African setting where, intergenerational transitions are deeply rooted in the African culture, with older generations passing on skills, information and other inheritances to the younger generation. It is also evident in informal approaches to healthcare, where young people provide care to sick senior citizens.

However, the UN acknowledges ageism as an impediment to intergenerational solidarity. The World Health Organization defines ageism as “the stereotypes (how we think), prejudice (how we feel) and discrimination (how we act) directed towards others or oneself, based on age”. Ageism is a barrier to the achievement of sustainable development as youth and even older people are discriminated against when it comes to employment and access to healthcare. It prevents them from maximizing their potential and fully contributing to health policy discourse towards realization of UHC.

To this effect, the UN set out a date to commemorate International Youth Day, while focusing on various themes every year. International Youth Day is a day set aside to create awareness on youth empowerment and their role in promoting change in their communities. This year’s theme focuses on Intergenerational Solidarity to encourage inclusivity among all ages for sustainable development. To achieve impeccable levels of inclusivity in UHC, it is paramount that we leverage on the ingenuity that both young and older generations carry to inform policies. In light of this, Ryculture Health and Social Innovation through the YouTH Voices Network, a platform designed to enlighten, empower and evoke action among the Kenyan youth to act for their health & health of their communities, held a webinar discussion on 12th August 2022 to commemorate International Youth Day. In line with the general theme, the webinar will focus on the sub theme ‘Fostering Intergenerational Solidarity towards the realization of UHC.’

The session was moderated by Marion Otieno, Programs Assistant Intern – Ryculture Health and Social Innovation with Prof. Miriam K. Were as the Keynote Speaker and Dr. Marie-Claire Wangari, Dr. Libeya Bethwel, Eva Mbeyu and Brian Otieno participating as panelists.

Here is a link to the recording of the session:

To read more on the proceedings, you can access the report below.

Report compiled by Marion Otieno, Programs Assistant Intern – Ryculture Health and Social Innovation