Enormous Success of the 1st European Conference „Silver Economy in Europe 2005“
Citations
„A wonderfully organised conference, which I really appreciated in all respects (and I am not good at giving compliments).“ (Prof. Dr. Klaus Gretschmann, Director-General, Council of the European Union)
„I am overwhelmed and at a loss for words!“ (Government official)
„It will be extremely difficult to top this conference. You have given us a wonderful example of how organise such an event.” (Will Willemsen, Politician from the Province of Limburg where the conference will take place in 2006)
"It was a fantastic event! I felt priviledged to be taking part. The speakers, the venue, the net working, the content were all excellent" (Eve Freer, Delegate to the West Midlands Regional Assemblies "Advisory Group on Ageing")
„Again, my best congratulations to this extremely successful conference!" (Dr. Vera Gerling, stellv. wiss. Geschäftsführerin Institut für Gerontologie an der Universität Dortmund)
"HUGE congratulations go to you for your fantastic work on the conference. I am excited by the prospect of the network's potential." (Jenny-Lee Spencer, European Health Policy Advisor, West Midlands in Europe)
"You and your team my sincere thanks for the excellent organisation of the conference, workshops, VIP reception, award session – everything was perfect.” (Dr. Frank Morath, Dr. Momo / Morath Mobil mobility solutions, Villingen-Schwenningen)
"I would like to sincerely congratulate you to the very successful
conference in Bonn." (Dr. Edi Clijsters,
Flämische Repräsentanz, Berlin)
"Thank you for your welcome and hard work that resulted in a brilliant conference". (Kath Smith, Help the Aged, UK)
As a result of the initiative of the government of North Rhine-Westphalia the topic “Silver Economy in Europe” was addressed at a conference which attracted more than 600 participants from all over Europe. As a result of this huge interest and in order to host all participants the conference venue had to be changed at short notice from the Old Waterworks to the large plenary hall of the former German Parliament (Bundestag) in Bonn. The expectations of the organisers were widely exceeded.
Minister Birgit Fischer was highly pleased with the huge positive response received in Germany and abroad when she opened the conference on 17th February 2005 together with high-level representatives from the European Commission, the Council of the European Union the Committee of the Regions in Brussels as well as Skilled Crafts and Industry and the European Older People’s Platform.
The opening speakers stressed the need for anchoring the silver economy in relevant policies at regional but also European level. At European level they saw the need to make it part of the Lisbon Strategy and include it into the 7th Framework Programme. Of the European Commission.
The approx. 50 presentations from all over Europe provided the participants with a very good and detailed overview of ongoing activities, innovative projects and practical examples of the silver economy.
Furthermore, 10 European Regions (Nord Rhine-Westphalia, Andalucia, Burgenland, Extremadura, Gelderland, Limburg, Mid-East Region Ireland, Midland Region Ireland, Scotland and West-Midlands) announced the foundation and establishment of the “Silver Economy Network of European Regions (SEN@ER)” and signed the “Bonn Declaration”. They also agreed on their future workprogramme for the coming months and years when signing the “SENER Agreement”. Minister Birgit Fischer announced that she is prepared to financially support the network for the next three years.
During the second conference day minister Fischer handed over the awards of the good practice competition “Silver Economy in Europe 2005”. One of the three first awards and two of the four commendations were given to organisations located in North Rhine-Westphalia.
The 2nd “Silver Economy in Europe 2006” conference will take place in Maastricht and organised by the province of Limburg. Representatives from the province of Limburg invited to the conference already.
