The Silver Ecosystem project, promoted by the Universidad del Pacífico, stood out as a key talking point at the forum, with participants underlining the positive impact that initiatives like this have on the development of the silver economy. By focusing on entrepreneurs over fifty, the UP project not only promotes the integration of this demographic into the business ecosystem but also contributes to transforming ageing into an opportunity to create innovation and economic value. 

A forum to address the challenges of population ageing 

This forum brought together global leaders, experts, and key players from the entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem to discuss one of the most transformative challenges of our time: population ageing. Given forecasts that the elderly population in Latin America and the Caribbean will double by 2050, as well as the challenge of Europe's diminishing workforce, the forum offered a platform for the exchange of ideas and innovative solutions around the silver economy. 

A highlight of the event was the involvement of Cecilia Barreto de Anastasi, founder of #TVPlateada. Cecilia, who has been a leading example of the positive impact of programs such as Emprende 50+, a practical pre-incubation course taught at Emprende UP as one of the key activities of the Silver Ecosystem project, shared her experience as an entrepreneur in her fifties and beyond. Her story, which saw her become a finalist in the +50 Emprende Perú 2022 Awards Contest and the winner of the KUNAN 2023 Challenge, underlined how entrepreneurship at an advanced age is not only possible but a transformative experience both personally and professionally. 

"Entrepreneurship has no age. At fifty-plus, we are at a stage of life where we can not only reinvent ourselves, but we also have a unique and valuable perspective to lend to the development of our society,” Cecilia explained. “​These types of programs are essential, because they empower us to see our life experiences as an invaluable asset in the business world.” 

Partnerships for an inclusive future 

The forum provided an invaluable opportunity to strengthen global partnerships and share innovative approaches that foster the development of inclusive and resilient solutions to population ageing. The discussions opened up a space to reflect on these challenges and to project a future in which societies are increasingly equitable and adaptable to demographic realities. 

For those seeking additional information about the event and its conclusions, the full agenda can be found at this link. For more information on the Silver Ecosystem project in Peru, the project website, ecosistemaplateado.pe, has valuable content related to research, publications, press releases, webinars, and upcoming workshops and events.