In 2004, Generations United was recognized as an NGO with consultative status with the United Nations. Our representatives have worked to promote intergenerational solidarity by elevating the strengths of each generation and highlighting the critical importance of recognizing the key roles younger and older people play in keeping our families, communities, and countries strong.
On the first anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine, we stand in awe of the resilience of the Ukrainian people and join other civil society organizations to call for an immediate halt to hostilities and a peaceful and diplomatic resolution to the war against Ukraine. (UN statement)
We stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine whose children, youth, older adults, and families have found themselves victims of an unwanted and inhumane conflict.
Children and older adults are disproportionately affected by war. Unable to access vital medical services, food and water, and safe shelter, their very survival is threatened. Beyond the immediate man-made catastrophe, the human impact will reach far into the future as children are torn from families, made orphans and traumatized by the vicious assault surrounding them on treacherous escape routes. Older adults will be left behind, further severing family ties and ties to history, culture and stories that strengthen future generations by providing roots only elders can nurture.
As we have watched this disaster unfold and seen the social compact ripped apart, we are reminded of the very heart of intergenerational efforts–connection. In times like these, younger people turn to older adults for assurance that life goes on. Older people look to the young for the calm that comes from knowing there is a future. This war has destroyed age-old roles by forcing families to separate.
The United Nations recognized the essential role of families when in 1948 it declared “The family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society and is entitled to protection by society and the State.”
Dag Hammarskjold said, “The UN was not created to take mankind to heaven, but to save humanity from hell.” The UN has voted overwhelmingly to condemn the invasion of Ukraine and has called for Russia to withdraw its forces. We join with those calling for a peaceful resolution to immediately save Ukrainians of all ages from the hell that has been imposed on their families. We are stronger together.