The workshop was part of the technical assistance that CELADE is providing to countries of the region to support the preparation of their voluntary national reports for the Fifth Review and Appraisal of the Implementation of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing.

The meeting opened with remarks by Simone Cecchini, Chief of CELADE-Population Division of ECLAC. This was followed by a presentation by Verity McGivern, CELADE consultant, on the three priority directions for the preparation of the voluntary national reports. The presentation addressed key recommendations, objectives, guiding questions, data sources and indicators to support countries throughout the reporting process, on the basis 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.

A participatory dialogue followed the presentation, providing an opportunity for country representatives to exchange experiences, share good practices and discuss common challenges related to the preparation of their voluntary national reports.

Submission of national voluntary reports for Caribbean member states are extended to 31 March 2027.