Prof.Kemal Aydın was presented with a Global Leadership Award in London
By Alpaslan Düven /London
Prof.Dr.Kemal Aydın was presented with a Global Leadership Award in London in recognition of his reported 25 years of work in gerontology, geriatrics, longevity medicine, public health and the history of science.
The award was presented by the Commonwealth Medical Association (CMA) during a programme held at the Commonwealth Conference Centre at Marlborough House, coinciding with World Older Persons Day.
The event brought together representatives and experts working in medicine, public health, healthy ageing, longevity and international cooperation.
CMA and WHAC sign cooperation protocol
During the London programme, the CMA and the World Healthy Ageing Council (WHAC) signed a Cooperation Protocol aimed at expanding collaboration on healthy ageing and longevity.
The agreement covers areas including gerontology and geriatrics, preventive medicine, age-friendly communities, the rights and dignity of older people, education and research, and the international exchange of scientific knowledge and best practices.
According to the organizations, the cooperation is intended to help develop a wider international network focused on healthy ageing across Commonwealth countries and other regions.
Aydın outlines “Healthy Ageing Diplomacy” initiative
Speaking during a Longevity and Healthy Ageing panel, Aydın presented proposals including the International Longevity Cities Initiative (ILCI) and a framework described as “Healthy Ageing Diplomacy for All.”
He argued that policies on ageing should extend beyond healthcare to include urban planning, social inclusion, intergenerational cooperation, scientific research, environmental sustainability and human rights.
The ILCI proposal would encourage cities and communities to develop environments designed to support longer, healthier and more independent lives for older people.
International cooperation urged
The CMA and WHAC also called for greater international cooperation on ageing and longevity, citing organizations and groupings including the United Nations, World Health Organization, Organization of Islamic Cooperation, African Union, European Union, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, ASEAN, G20, D8, Organization of Turkic States, League of Arab States, Black Sea Economic Cooperation and the Economic Cooperation Organization.
The organizations said international efforts should be guided by the principle of “Leave No One Behind”, with the aim of ensuring that the benefits of healthy longevity are not determined by income, geography or social circumstances.
Antalya conferences proposed alongside COP31
Aydın also announced plans for a World Ageing and Environment Forum (WAEF) and a World Conference on Healthy Ageing (WCHA) in Antalya, Türkiye, proposed as side events connected with COP31.
The planned gatherings would bring together government representatives, international organizations, municipalities, universities, medical and scientific institutions, civil society groups and private-sector representatives.
The proposed agenda would examine the links between ageing, health, longevity, environmental sustainability, climate change, sustainable cities and human rights.
The London programme concluded with calls for stronger cooperation among governments, cities, universities, medical institutions, international organizations and civil society to address the challenges associated with demographic ageing.
London — Oct. 1, 2026
Commonwealth Medical Association (CMA)
World Healthy Ageing Council (WHAC)
İbn Sina Institute – International Sciences Academy (ISI-ISA)
