The Hart Leadership Program’s Leader in Residence, Ambassador James Joseph, recently traveled to Ireland to give the Opening Address at the First International Conference on Age-Friendly Cities, sponsored by the World Health Organization. In his speech, “Leadership and Older People: Ageing as an Asset,” Joseph argued that the emotional, social, moral, and spiritual intelligence of older people can help society in the quest for finding solutions to social problems. As a result, he urged the attendees to redirect themselves in search of social justice for the elderly.

At the conference, the mayors from 42 different cities from around the globe signed the Dublin Declaration, which committed themselves and their cities to strengthening and championing action to make their communities more age-friendly.

 

A civil rights mural in the heart of of Belfast.

A civil rights mural in the heart of of Belfast.

While in Dublin, Ambassador Joseph also spoke to a group of young non-governmental leaders from across Ireland. He talked to them about the importance of seeking leaders who inspire and elevate members of society.

To conclude the visit, Ambassador Joseph gave an interview to one of Ireland’s leading radio stations, and he attended a briefing in Belfast on the role of NGOs in Northern Ireland.

 

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