UN Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons, Dr. Zvezdan Pirtošek, Visits AGAC

(August 31, 2026)

Dr. Zvezdan Pirtošek, the United Nations (UN) Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons, visited the ASEM Global Ageing Center (AGAC) on August 31, 2026, prior to participating in a roundtable discussion with Korean experts on the human rights of older persons.

During his visit, Dr. Pirtošek met with researchers at AGAC and took part in a commemorative photo session. He also met with Seo Jeong-ha, Director of AGAC, to exchange views on future cooperation between the two sides.

During the meeting, Director Seo expressed her appreciation to Dr. Pirtošek for visiting Korea to deliver the keynote address at the 6th ASEM Forum on the Human Rights of Older Persons: Present and Future. She introduced AGAC's current activities and explained that the Center actively engages in a wide range of activities and partnerships, both domestically and internationally, to promote the human rights of older persons. In particular, she highlighted AGAC's efforts to expand exchanges and cooperation with international organizations, including the United Nations.

Dr. Pirtošek noted that he was well aware of AGAC's achievements and role in the field of the human rights of older persons and expressed his appreciation for the Center's invitation to the forum, which provided him with an opportunity to visit Korea for the first time. The two sides also exchanged views on the importance of international cooperation and solidarity in advancing the human rights of older persons at the United Nations and agreed to maintain continued communication and cooperation in the future.

Building on the Independent Expert's visit to Korea and his participation in the forum, AGAC plans to further expand its exchanges and cooperation with international organizations, including the United Nations, and strengthen its role in promoting the human rights of older persons at the international level. AGAC will also actively support the Independent Expert in carrying out his mandate and looks forward to his continued interest in and support for the Center's efforts to expand its international cooperation and activities.

Meanwhile, during his visit to Korea, Dr. Pirtošek delivered a keynote address at the 6th ASEM Forum on the Human Rights of Older Persons: Present and Future, held on September 2, on the opportunities and risks that artificial intelligence presents for the lives and human rights of older persons in the AI era. Prior to the forum, he also met with Korean experts on the human rights of older persons to discuss directions for promoting the enactment of a Basic Act on the Human Rights of Older Persons in Korea and Korea's role in advancing the establishment of an international convention on the human rights of older persons.