The Triangular Cooperation Seminar in Madrid
On 4 March, 2025, ADI Regional Director for the Americas, Diego Aguilar, arrived in Madrid, Spain to attend a two-day seminar organised by the European Union’s ADELANTE 2 Programme. This event served as a forum which brought together government institutions, civil society organisations, and international cooperation agencies from Latin America, Europe, and beyond.
The ADELANTE 2 Programme was launched in 2021 and builds off of the lessons learned from the first phase of the program which, was active between 2015 and 2020. The second phase aims to contribute to the fulfilment of the 2030 Agenda in Latin America and the Caribbean, through interventions that reflect a modern approach to Triangular Cooperation. ADELANTE 2 is structured around three pillars of focus: operational support, analytical support, and institutional support. The richness in diversity of the Latin American and Caribbean region has made it the ideal place to use this programme to explore opportunities for dialogue and the exchange of knowledge and experience.
The ADELANTE 2 event served as a platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and the promotion of triangular cooperation as a strategic tool for sustainable development. Participants explored innovative practices and success stories, reinforcing the importance of collaborative frameworks in tackling regional and global challenges.
About his trip, Diego said:
Participating in the Triangular Cooperation Seminar organized by the ADELANTE 2 Programme of the European Union was a powerful reminder of the potential that strategic alliances hold in addressing complex challenges across Latin America. As Regional Director for the Americas at ADI, I was proud to share our experience in building impactful partnerships that connect local innovation with global solidarity.
Membership visit to Prague
Between 20 and 21 March, ADI’s Head of Membership, Laura Aubert visited Prague, Czechia. On her first day, she attended the 19th World Congress on Controversies in Neurology and was able to join a number of interesting and pertinent congress sessions including discussions around new Alzheimer’s drugs and treatments, debates surrounding clinical trials, and the effect of lifestyle factors in reducing the risk of developing dementia, among other thought-provoking topics.
Then, on 21 March, Laura met with Lucie Hájková from the Czech Alzheimer’s Society and Petr Veleta, a dance pedagogue, choreographer, and member of the Czech Alzheimer’s Society Board of Directors, at the RoSa Residence community centre in Prague. Petr, who leads dance therapy sessions across the country for people with dementia, conducted a session in which Laura participated.
Lucie then gave Laura a tour of the Centre of Gerontology, where the Czech Alzheimer’s Society is based. During their meeting, they discussed various association and membership-related matters, their collaboration with a gaming company which has led to the creation of accessible versions of certain games, rendering them appropriate for those living with mild cognitive impairment, and the Czech National Dementia Plan, among other topics.
Laura had this to say about her trip:
During my visit to Prague, I had the privilege of attending CONy’s Alzheimer’s and dementia sessions – fantastic debates and truly valuable insights. I also connected with the Czech Alzheimer’s Society, experienced a moving dance therapy session, and toured the Gerontology Centre and the association’s HQ, witnessing over 25 years of incredible work firsthand. It was a truly inspiring visit filled with learning and collaboration! A huge thanks to Lucie, Martina and Petr for their warm welcome.
World Dementia Council 2025 Summit in London
The World Dementia Council’s (WDC) 2025 summit was held in London, UK on March 25th, under the theme of Accelerating Innovation, Disrupting Thinking and Delivering Change. This global event brought together politicians, policymakers, academics, industry, care providers, advocates and others to discuss the progress of dementia treatments in this era of change.
ADI staff who attended the summit included CEO Paola Barbarino, Deputy CEO and Director of Policy and Communications, Chris Lynch, and Director of Research and Publications, Wendy Weidner.
At the event, Paola spoke on a panel moderated by the chair of the WDC and President of ADI’s member in the US, the Alzheimer’s Association, Joanne Pike, DrPH about the importance of data in advocacy. The panel discussed the need for innovations in the field of dementia and the increasing need for such innovations to be accessible to all those who need it around the globe. The enduring stigma that surrounds dementia continues to act as a barrier to a timely diagnosis, and to people getting the support and care that they require. Alarmingly, data from the 2024 World Alzheimer Report suggests 80% of the general public continue to think that dementia is a normal part of ageing, a statistic that rose from 66% in 2019. Statistics like these indicate a growing need for crucial conversations to continue to take place around the reduction of stigma around dementia.
To read the rest of the 2024 World Alzheimer Report
This month Paola also presented at a high level symposium in Malta entitled ‘Empowering Minds: Innovation and Compassion in Dementia Care’.
Read the full news story of ADI in Malta
Foundation Alzrus co-founder nominated for prestigious award
This month, Alexandra Shchetkina, the co-founder of the ADI member in Russia, Foundation Alzrus, was nominated for the most prestigious Russian education award – The Knowledge Prize. This prize is awarded to the prominent lecturers, educators, and speakers who act as ambassadors of a specific topic.
Of the 29,000 applications that were submitted from all over Russia for consideration, only 60 were nominated to the shortlist for consideration, of which Alexandra was one.
ADI would like to send sincerest congratulations to Alexandra for the recognition for her years of hard work advocating for the people living with dementia, their carers, and families in Russia.