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. A Review of "New Face for Europe. Migrant Elders across Europe – from Challenges to Opportunities"
From 30 September to 02 October 2008, the first international conference to be held within the scope of the European project "Active Ageing of Migrant Elders across Europe" (AAMEE) took place at the World Conference Centre (WCCB) in Bonn. Entitled "A New Face for Europe: Migrant Elders across Europe – from Challenges to Opportunities", the conference was attended by top-drawer experts from the practical and theoretical levels of this important topic. Their intensive discussions and consultations focussed on the opportunities arising for society from the integration of migrant elders, as well as on the challenges that need to be overcome on the local, national and international level.
The guiding principle of the conference was twofold. For one, the lifetime achievements of migrant elders in their countries of origin and their new adopted homelands deserve greater recognition than they have received till now. For another, the growing cultural diversity among the elder population of Europe must be viewed more positively – as a source of social, cultural and economic opportunities and enrichment.
The question of integration and social participation of migrant elders is a relatively new item on the European political agenda. Thus, the goal of the conference, and of the AAMEE project as a whole, is to improve the quality of life of migrant elders by putting it on the European political agenda.
Among the salient results of the conference is the establishment of a European research network and the adoption of the "Bonn Memorandum on Active Ageing of Migrant Elders". The latter contains guidelines for European, national and local decision makers concerning a new understanding and approach to improve the quality of life, integration and social participation of migrant elders across the continent. It is of great importance that migrant elders participate in implementing these recommendations.
Mr. Wesley Grant (Leeds Elder People's Forum):
"This debate, which is so crucial for Europe, needs to be carried on with the same intensity once the conference comes to an end – this, I think, will be key."
Ms. Miriam El Osri (Antwerp Centre for Minorities):
"One of the decisive factors for success will be to make the conference a jumping-off point for international networking. After all, the various discussion forums have confirmed that many countries are facing the same challenges."
Ms. Dhanda Harjinder (Age Concern Hillingdon):
"I'm thoroughly enjoying this event; it's giving me lots of ideas and food for thought."
Mr. Martin Pertsch (independent journalist):
"I was both surprised and impressed by the complexity of the topics discussed."
Mr. Dr. Bernhard Worms (Former State Secretary; President of the European Seniors' Union):
"The conference gets right to the heart of the multi-faceted topic of migrant elders and the various immigrant streams. Congratulations!"
Ms. Stefanie Burghardt (City of Euskirchen):
"We still need more national and international data if we are to work effectively. I'd like to see further work done in this area."
Ms. Prof. Dr. Ursula Lehr (Former Austrian Federal Minister; Federal Consortium of Senior Organisations [BAGSO e.V.]):
"This conference represents a significant contribution for migrant elders, because for the first time it puts this socially relevant topic at the centre of the public debate."
Our heartfelt thanks go out to all our partners and sponsors, whose contributions were a key to the ultimate success of the conference!
The AAMEE project is receiving funding by the European Commission. The contents published do not express the European Commission's opinions or positions.
