“People of different (cultures) have overlapping identities which unite us in very different groups. We can love what we are, without hating what—and who—we are not. We can thrive in our own tradition, even as we learn from others.”

Kofi Annan, the seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), spoke these words a quarter century ago after he and the UN were jointly awarded the 2001 Nobel Peace Prize. Annan, a Ghanaian diplomat and statesman credited with revitalizing the UN, was dedicated to bringing people from around the world together to share their cultures, knowledge, experiences, successes, and challenges. He understood that we have much to learn from each other. He believed that the lessons we teach one another have the potential to transform our planet.

Annan, who passed away in 2018, was not directly involved in the aged care field. However, his spirit and convictions continue to inspire the diverse community of providers who deliver services and support to older adults from many cultures across many countries. I am truly fortunate to experience this remarkable sense of global unity every day in my roles as president and CEO of LeadingAge and as executive director of the Global Ageing Network.

Our two organizations, connected since 1994, share a common goal: to improve best practices in long-term services and supports so that older people everywhere can enjoy healthier, safer, and more independent lives. Inspired by reformers like Annan and others, we work together to ensure that providers can succeed in their own countries by collaborating across national borders to teach and learn from one another.

That collaboration was evident in November when we met in Boston for the LeadingAge Annual Meeting and the Global Ageing Network Biennial Conference.

As part of our Annual Meeting education program, we enjoyed a track focused specifically on international perspectives. Many conference attendees arrived early to take part in the Global Ageing Network Summit, which featured experts from various fields discussing current global issues, including the effects of longevity, technology, and international policy on the services and supports we provide. The conference also brought research to life through the Ageing Commons, a multiday experience where researchers from around the world used interactive poster zones and daily panels to explore topics such as dementia care, cognitive health, technology in aged care, workforce strategies, wellness, and quality of life.

By the end of our joint event, most of the participants I spoke with were convinced of a truth I have known for many years: We are part of a global community. The challenges we face—those related to workforce, quality of care, and human rights, to name a few—are all global. They affect all of us, and they are best addressed by all of us, working together.

We can help each other find the solutions we need to make life better for older adults around the world. We can also affirm for each other the importance of the work we are doing. Spend even a small amount of time with providers from different countries, and you will be convinced of one thing: Together, we are doing more good around the world than we could ever do alone.

The Global Ageing Network offers a supportive and empowering home for our worldwide aged care community. It fosters quality services for older adults, connects researchers and providers, provides a forum for professional networking and the exchange of information, encourages education and training, disseminates timely information, and advocates for the rights of older adults. The network makes us all better at what we do, no matter where in the world our communities and care settings are located. That’s the beauty of our collaboration.

The Global Ageing Network is thriving as our world becomes smaller and our challenges grow more complex. Get to know us. Consider becoming a member. Read our Annual Report, which will be released next week. Review the research on dementia care, technology, care models, wellness, and workforce presented during the Ageing Commons poster sessions in Boston. Watch for announcements of new webinars and roundtables that explore solutions to our common challenges.

It’s inspiring to realize that aged care providers worldwide are part of the same caregiving ecosystem and can rely on each other. It’s empowering to see that, as Kofi Annan maintained, we can thrive within our own traditions while also learning from others.

The Global Ageing Network serves as a connector and platform to help us learn and grow. In these difficult times, we need it more than ever.