The aging society is now a global challenge faced by not only the advanced countries, but also by the entire world, including Asia and Africa.
Notably, Korea is experiencing one of the fastest aging trend in the world, having exceeded the 7% aged population ratio back in 2000.

We anticipate the same ratio to exceed 14% by 2018, making Korea a truly aged society. The sense of urgency among people about such rapid aging trend is leading to diverse policy discussions. It is at that critical juncture that we will be holding the 20th World Congress of the International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics in Seoul in year 2013.

The 2013 World Congress of the International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics will be hosted by the FKGS (The Federation of Korean Gerontological Society) which is an alliance between the most representative Korean institutions in Gerontology. The member organizations are KGS (Korea Gerontological Society), KSG(The Korea Society for Gerontology), TKGS(The Korean Geriatrics Society), and KAGP(Korean Association for Geriatric Psychiatry).

With the full support by the Korean government, I am confident that the Congress will become a global academic festivity of exchanging relevant research results from all 5 continents and 6 oceanic regions of the world.
Especially the Seoul Congress will fully leverage Korea's advanced information technologies of the 21st century in discussing various research, implementation, and policy initiatives necessary for enhancing the quality of life for the elderly.

I look forward to having valuable exchanges on the much talked about issue of 'Aging' with the great minds of the world here in Korea, which is a country known for its distinct history and tradition.
I ask for your continuing support and interest for the upcoming Seoul Conference in 2013.