CELADE–ECLAC's Population Division held an online technical workshop on 29 October 2026 to support Caribbean countries in preparing their voluntary national reports for the Fifth Review and Appraisal of the Implementation of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (MIPAA).

The workshop brought together representatives of 12 Caribbean member States and associate members: Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago.

The activity formed part of the technical assistance CELADE is providing to countries of the region during the current review and appraisal cycle. Participants reviewed the three priority directions of the Madrid Plan — older persons and development; advancing health and well-being into old age; and ensuring enabling and supportive environments — as well as the objectives, guiding questions, data sources and indicators that can assist countries in preparing their reports.

Verity McGivern, CELADE consultant, presented the main elements of the Guide for the Preparation of Voluntary National Reports for the Fifth Review and Appraisal of the Implementation of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing. The presentation was followed by a participatory exchange in which country representatives shared experiences, good practices and common challenges related to the reporting process.

The voluntary national reports will feed into the regional review of MIPAA implementation in Latin America and the Caribbean and help inform the regional discussions in 2027. Caribbean member States have until 31 March 2027 to submit their reports.