Alexandra Hartman Editor-in-Chief

Jakarta – A fresh partnership between the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the ASEAN Centre for Active Ageing and Innovation (ACAI) aims to bolster regional cooperation in addressing the demographic shifts occurring across Southeast Asia. The collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on February 24, 2026, seeks to promote healthy, productive, and dignified ageing for the region’s growing older population.

The agreement comes at a crucial juncture as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) experiences a rapid demographic transition. Projections indicate that the number of older persons in ASEAN will reach nearly 200 million by 2050, presenting both challenges and opportunities for member states. This partnership underscores a commitment to proactive planning and collaborative solutions to ensure the well-being of this expanding demographic.

The MOU signing took place during a high-level roundtable discussion, “Shaping the Future of Ageing Societies: Sharing Experiences and Driving Innovation,” held at the Raffles Hotel in Jakarta. The event brought together senior officials from ASEAN member states, representatives from the ASEAN Secretariat, dialogue partners, and various development organizations to exchange insights and forge a collaborative path forward. The focus was on translating regional commitments into tangible actions that benefit communities and individuals across ASEAN.

Key Areas of Collaboration

The ACAI-UNFPA collaboration will focus on several key areas designed to support member states in navigating the complexities of ageing populations. These include promoting healthy ageing and ensuring access to quality healthcare services for older adults. A significant component of this effort will involve utilizing data, such as National Transfer Accounts, to inform evidence-based policy decisions.

the partnership will foster regional dialogue on the care economy – the system of policies designed to care for the young and the elderly – and promote intergenerational solidarity. Strengthening the economic and financial resilience of older adults, with a particular emphasis on inclusive and gender-responsive approaches, is also a central tenet of the MOU. This includes addressing financial security and ensuring older adults have opportunities for continued economic participation.

Regional Leaders Affirm Commitment

The roundtable and signing ceremony were attended by prominent regional leaders, demonstrating a strong collective commitment to advancing active ageing. His Excellency San Lwin, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community, was in attendance, as was His Excellency Yonetani Koji, Ambassador of Japan to ASEAN. Ms. Binh Tran, Deputy Permanent Representative of Viet Nam to ASEAN, and Mr. Suwit Mangkhala, Deputy Permanent Representative of Thailand to ASEAN, also participated, highlighting the broad regional support for the initiative.

Dr. Somsak Akksilp, Executive Director of ACAI, emphasized the partnership’s goal of translating regional commitments into concrete actions that empower individuals and transform societies throughout ASEAN. Dr. Aleksandar Sasha Bodiroza, Regional Director a.i. Of UNFPA Asia-Pacific, underscored the importance of collaborative efforts to ensure that increased longevity is accompanied by health, dignity, and security, reaffirming UNFPA’s dedication to supporting evidence-based ageing policies and programs in the region.

The collaboration between ACAI and UNFPA represents a significant step towards addressing the evolving needs of an ageing ASEAN population. By prioritizing evidence-based policies, regional dialogue, and capacity-building initiatives, the partnership aims to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for older adults across Southeast Asia. As ASEAN continues to undergo demographic changes, this collaborative effort will be crucial in ensuring that the region is prepared to meet the challenges and harness the opportunities presented by an ageing society.

Looking ahead, the focus will be on implementing the strategies outlined in the MOU and monitoring progress towards achieving the shared goals of promoting active and healthy ageing across ASEAN. Continued collaboration and knowledge-sharing will be essential to ensure the long-term success of this vital partnership.

What are your thoughts on the challenges and opportunities presented by an ageing population in Southeast Asia? Share your comments below and help us continue the conversation.

Beirut, Lebanon – Israel has issued a stark warning to Lebanon, stating that Beirut’s airport will be a target if Hezbollah becomes involved in a potential conflict with Iran. The escalating tensions come amid growing concerns about a wider regional war, particularly if the United States and Iran turn into directly engaged in hostilities. This threat underscores the increasingly precarious situation in Lebanon, a nation already grappling with significant political and economic instability.

The warning, delivered through indirect channels according to Lebanese officials, signals a significant escalation in rhetoric from Israel. It suggests a willingness to directly impact Lebanon’s civilian infrastructure should Hezbollah, a powerful Iran-backed militant group, choose to intervene on Iran’s behalf. The potential disruption to air travel would have severe consequences for Lebanon’s already fragile economy and its connection to the outside world. The situation is developing rapidly, with a sense of urgency among regional actors.

Israel’s Direct Threat to Lebanese Infrastructure

Israeli officials have reportedly communicated that any involvement from Hezbollah in a conflict with Iran would trigger a forceful response, including strikes targeting critical infrastructure within Lebanon. This includes, specifically, Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport. Sky News Arabia reported on this direct threat earlier today. The warning is intended to deter Hezbollah from expanding the scope of the conflict beyond its current engagements with Israel in southern Lebanon.

Lebanon’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Youssef Rajeh, expressed concerns about potential Israeli strikes on the country’s infrastructure, acknowledging the heightened risk of escalation. This concern is shared by other Lebanese officials who fear a devastating impact on the nation’s already strained resources. The threat comes after a year of increased Israeli strikes against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, resulting in significant damage and casualties.

Recent Hezbollah-Israel Clashes and Leadership Targeting

The current tensions are rooted in a series of escalating clashes between Israel and Hezbollah. In November 2025, Israel conducted an airstrike in the southern Beirut suburb of Dahieh, targeting and killing Hezbollah’s “chief of staff,” Haytham Ali Tabatabaei, whom Israel described as a key figure in the organization. France 24 confirmed the death, reporting that Hezbollah also acknowledged Tabatabaei’s death. Multiple sources, including DW and CNN Arabic, identified Tabatabaei as the second-highest ranking official within Hezbollah, also known as Abu Ali Tabatabaei.

The November strike marked the first Israeli attack on Beirut in months, signaling a shift in Israel’s strategy. Prior to this, Israeli strikes had been largely concentrated in southern Lebanon. The targeting of a senior Hezbollah commander within Beirut itself demonstrated a willingness to take more aggressive action, even at the risk of escalating the conflict.

Hezbollah’s Position and Potential for Intervention

Hezbollah has publicly stated its concern regarding the situation between the United States and Iran, indicating a willingness to defend its ally. However, the group has also emphasized that its response will be “proportionate” to the circumstances. In a televised address last month, Hezbollah Secretary-General Naeem Qassem stated the group was “concerned with what is happening and targeted by potential aggression and determined to defend.” Sky News Arabia reported on Qassem’s statement, noting that Hezbollah would “choose at the time how to act, intervention or non-intervention, or the details that are commensurate with the circumstances.”

The decision of whether or not to intervene in a potential US-Iran conflict represents a “courageous decision” for Hezbollah, according to reports from Monte Carlo International. The group’s calculations will likely involve assessing the potential costs and benefits of intervention, as well as the broader regional implications.

The situation remains highly volatile, and the coming hours and days will be critical in determining whether the conflict will remain contained or escalate into a wider regional war. Diplomatic efforts are underway to de-escalate tensions, but the prospects for a swift resolution remain uncertain. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, urging all parties to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could further destabilize the region.

What comes next will depend heavily on the actions of both Israel and Hezbollah, as well as the broader dynamics between the United States and Iran. The potential for miscalculation remains high, and the risk of escalation is ever-present. Continued monitoring of the situation and diplomatic engagement will be crucial in preventing a further deterioration of the security landscape in Lebanon and the wider Middle East. Share your thoughts in the comments below.