ICAA leader invited to participate in global network for second year

[Back to releases]

CEO will join other experts in exploring solutions to aging society issues

VANCOUVER--The World Economic Forum has asked Colin Milner, founder and CEO of the International Council on Active Aging® (ICAA), to participate in its Network of Global Agenda Councils for the second consecutive year. The purpose and continuity of these Global Agenda Councils are evaluated annually, with both councils and membership subject to renewal. Professor Klaus Schwab, the Forum’s executive chairman, recently invited Milner to continue working with the influential “intelligence and knowledge network” for 2009–2010. One of the world’s visionaries on health and well-being for older adults, Milner created ICAA in 2001 to support professionals who develop wellness and fitness facilities and services for adults over 50. After serving last year on the Global Agenda Council on the Challenges of Gerontology, Milner will share his knowledge of active aging and aging-related issues with the Global Agenda Council on Aging Society in the coming year.

Based in Geneva, Switzerland, the Forum is an independent, nonprofit organization “committed to improving the state of the world by engaging leaders in partnerships to shape global, regional and industry agendas.” The Forum established the Network of Global Agenda Councils in 2008 to further its mission and strategic vision, and tackle global issues of critical importance. For each issue, the Forum brings together 15–20 of the world’s “most innovative and influential minds” to “capture the very best knowledge” on that topic and “integrate it into global collaboration and decision-making processes.”

Populated by thought leaders in business, government, academia and society, the Global Agenda Councils act as advisory boards to the Forum, as well as to parties such as governments and international organizations. In 2009, the councils will have added responsibility as the “intellectual drivers” of the Forum’s new Global Redesign Initiative. This multistakeholder dialogue aims “to help establish processes and structures of global cooperation” to meet the challenges of the 21st century. “The initiative will provide the fresh, bottom-up rethinking necessary to develop principles and guidelines as well as concrete recommendations regarding structures of governance,” according to the Forum.

Milner is honored to be involved with this global group of leaders working collaboratively to address the world’s key challenges. “I look forward to the privilege of continuing my work with the Global Agenda Councils,” he says, “and to sharing the value of active aging with my colleagues on the Aging Society council.” Milner plans to return to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in November for the second annual Summit on the Global Agenda. This three-day event promotes the objective of the Global Agenda Councils to foster long-range, interdisciplinary thinking on pressing issues in the global arena. In Dubai, members of the Global Agenda Councils have the opportunity to meet in person, share their knowledge and discuss the issues. Outcomes will be reported at the Forum’s 40th Annual Meeting in January 2010.

- 30 -

About the International Council on Active Aging (ICAA)
ICAA is the world’s largest membership association dedicated to changing the way we age by uniting professionals in the retirement, assisted living, recreation, fitness, rehabilitation and wellness fields. The council supports these professionals with education, information, resources and tools, so they can achieve optimal success with the growing population of people who are 50 years and older. As an active-aging educator and advocate, ICAA has advised numerous organizations and governmental bodies, including the US Administration on Aging, the National Institute on Aging (one of the US National Institutes of Health), the US Department of Health and Human Services, Canada’s Special Senate Committee on Aging, and the British Columbia ministries of Health, and Healthy Living and Sport.

For interviews or more information about ICAA or aging-related issues, contact:

Colin Milner, CEO, International Council on Active Aging
Toll-free: 1-866-335-9777 (North America only)
Telephone: 604-734-4466; cell: 604-763-4595
Email: colinmilner@icaa.cc