Global Intergenerational Week 2026
The overall purpose of the AIIP is to re-connect communities through the development, implementation and evaluation of intergenerational programs. Our long-term vision is for intergenerational interactions and programs to be a normal part of our everyday life in both formal and informal settings. Being country lead for Global Intergenerational Week is great way to achieve our vision. Being a part of GIW is easy and fun!
Key contact: Xanthe Golenko
Email: xanthe.golenko@aiip.net.au
Dance Around the World Event: DAY 1 – Let’s Raise Intergenerational Awareness
- Friday 24th April
Dance Around the World returns in 2026, bringing together groups and individuals of all ages for a vibrant, live, coordinated online dance event. This global celebration aims to raise awareness of the power and importance of intergenerational practice by uniting communities across countries, cultures and generations.
- Date: Friday 24 April 2026
- Time: 2:00pm – 3:00pm AEST / 4:00pm – 5:00pm NZST
Day 2: Lets Challenge Ageism
- Saturday 25th April
Download the resource Connecting Generations Tackling Ageism Through ANZAC Event Guide created by Generations Connect New Zealand for ideas and inspiration.
Day 3: Let’s challenge social Isolation and loneliness
- Sunday 26th April
Watch a recap of GIW2026’s International Webinar and Expert Panel Discussion
Creating intergenerational spaces and communities: Successes and challenges from around the world
International Webinar and Expert Panel Discussion
Creating intergenerational spaces and communities: Successes and challenges from around the world.
In alignment with GIW25 Day 4 Theme: Let’s create intergenerational spaces and communities, AIIP hosted an online webinar in collaboration with GenLab Collective (Singapore); Generations Connect (New Zealand) and Mighty Oaks (Hong Kong).
Hear from our two special guest speakers, international expert Dr Marlane Krasovitsky from WHO, and Intergenerational Housing Researcher and Churchill Fellow Savannah Fisher, as well as local practitioners from our four host countries who share their insights around the successes, challenges and lessons learned.
Day 4: Let’s create intergenerational spaces and communities
- Monday 27th April
Host an event
Download Resource Kit created by Generations Connect New Zealand for ideas and inspiration.
Make a pompom and pass it on!
We want people of different generations to work together during #GIW26, and to capture this with a cool video! One idea is to make PomPoms together. All you need is some wool and cardboard.
Day 5: Let’s save the planet…together!
- Tuesday 28th April
Caring for Country
Keep an eye out on AIIP socials for a special video presentation with Indigenous Elder, Uncle Allan and children from Benowa Early Learning Centre.
Enjoy a Walk and Talk Tour with your “grand friends” at your local Botanic Gardens to learn more about local plants and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Check websites for details and bookings.
Online Book Launch of 'The Prime Minister Problem' Book Launch with Brenton Cullen
Join children’s author Brenton Cullen for a 30-minute session on The Prime Minister Problem (Riveted Press), his debut novel for ages 7–12 — and just as resonant for parents, teachers, librarians, and anyone interested in intergenerational care.
Set in a regional community, The Prime Minister Problem explores loneliness, connection, and the power of community through the story of a young boy’s bond with his grandmother and a community-driven “Adopt a Grandparent” movement. There isn’t a lot of middle-grade fiction that centres on intergenerational friendship, and the book aims to offer an accessible way into these ideas for younger readers.
Brenton will share the inspiration behind the novel, including his own real-life experiences with intergenerational relationships and how they shaped the story. He’ll also speak about why this work matters to him, and how the book acts as a call to action — encouraging children, families, and communities to come together and build meaningful connections across generations. The session includes a short reading, followed by discussion, with questions very welcome.
Day 6: Let’s develop intergenerational workplaces
- Wednesday 29th April
Intergenerational Workplace Photo Diary
We are encouraging workplaces to post images and videos that demonstrate and promote age diversity and inclusion, knowledge-sharing across generations, and ensuring that employees of all ages feel valued and can thrive together. Make sure you use the tag#GIW26
Day 7: Let’s improve intergenerational quality and sustainability
- Thursday 30th April
GIW26 International Perspectives on Intergenerational Practice Quality and Sustainability from Countries in the Indo-Pacific Region
This online event brings together organisations from across the Indo-Pacific region to share insights and experiences in advancing high-quality, sustainable intergenerational practice. Each participating organisation will deliver a short presentation outlining their work, including an overview of their organisation, key projects and impact, and their approaches to ensuring quality and long-term sustainability.
The presentations will be followed by a facilitated panel discussion, offering an opportunity to explore common challenges, innovative solutions, and future directions. Attendees will also have the chance to engage directly with presenters through a live Q&A, fostering knowledge exchange and global collaboration in the field of intergenerational practice.
Activities Running Throughout the Week
1. Pass the Pompom – Chain Reaction Challenge
Pass a Pom is a simple, intergenerational challenge that invites people to come together, take part in an activity, pass the pom on, and spark connection across generations during Global Intergenerational Week 2026.
It brings together people and communities across Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia to celebrate intergenerational connection.
https://www.genconnectnz.org/pass-a-pom
Bingo with a Twist
Bingo with a Twist is a social, intergenerational activity that builds on the familiar game of bingo by adding personal meaning, conversation, and connection.
Join us online for a relaxed round of Bingo With a Twist, where every number holds a story. Online Sessions held on the 15th of each month
Find out more and register at: https://www.genconnectnz.org/bingo-with-a-twist
ANZAC DAY Activity Guide
GIW26 Southern Hemisphere Launch Event Recap
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Southern Hemisphere Launch of Global Intergenerational Week 2026. The session explored this year’s themes, shared what’s planned for the week, and highlighted opportunities taking place across Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia. The recording captures the key points from the launch for those who were unable to attend on the day.
GIW26 Southern Hemisphere Catch-up
As we continue building momentum towards Global Intergenerational Week 2026 🌍, together with Generations Connect NZ, we warmly invite colleagues and partners across the Southern Hemisphere to join us for a short online catch‑up on Tuesday, 24th March at 2pm AEDT.
Following our Southern Hemisphere launch, this session is a chance to reconnect, share how planning is progressing, and explore where we might support and learn from one another as we move closer to the week. Whether your plans are just beginning to take shape or already well underway, this will be a relaxed and supportive catch-up for anyone interested in the intergenerational space.
Come along to:
✨ Share what’s emerging in your local context
✨ Hear what others are planning across the region
✨ Identify opportunities for connection, collaboration, and mutual support
📅 Register here: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/5d063be3-9f54-488c-a543-f3277a112357@970ec7b7-ab36-4905-869d-5df52e02ca01
Please feel free to share this invitation with others in your networks who may be interested.