Six new trustees bring global expertise to HelpAge Board

Published

Six distinguished leaders in ageing, development, and human rights have joined the Board of HelpAge International in recent months, deepening the organisation’s global expertise and commitment to older people’s rights.

  • Dr. Samir Sinha (joined March 2025) is an internationally recognised expert in the care of older adults, with leadership roles in geriatrics, health policy, and ageing research across Canada and globally.
  • Ben F. Belton (joined April 2025) is a leader in ageing policy, with experience in U.S. federal government and organisations such as AARP, advancing elder justice and global ageing initiatives.
  • Martine Najem (joined April 2025) is a public health and development professional with over 25 years’ experience leading initiatives on ageing, gender equality, and humanitarian response across Lebanon, the MENA region and globally.
  • Rose Gahire (joined April 2025) is a public health expert and civil society leader from Rwanda, focused on gender, inclusion, and access to justice.
  • Sonia Di Mezza (joined April 2025) is an Australian human rights lawyer and CEO of Migrant and Refugee Settlement Services in Canberra, Australia advocating for marginalised communities, including older migrants and refugees.
  • Professor Jaco Hoffman (joined April 2025) is a socio-gerontologist leading the AGenDA programme in South Africa and coordinating the African Research Network on Ageing, with key roles in international ageing organisations and research on long-term care.

I am delighted to welcome such a talented and diverse group of leaders to our Board. Their expertise spans public policy, advocacy, research, and grassroots action across many regions – all vital to advancing our mission for older people’s rights and wellbeing. Six of our new Trustees were nominated by members of the HelpAge global network, reflecting our commitment to local representation on our Board. With their guidance and support, HelpAge is better placed than ever to respond to the challenges and opportunities of population ageing around the world.

Professor Sarah Harper, HelpAge Board Chair

HelpAge also extends its sincere thanks to Robin Talbert, Abla Sibai, Vappu Taipale, and Firdous Begum, whose terms on the Board recently came to an end. Each has made an invaluable contribution to the organisation’s mission and impact, and we are deeply grateful for their leadership, commitment, and service.

The appointments and transitions reflect HelpAge’s ongoing commitment to strong, inclusive governance and to championing older people’s voices in every corner of the world.

Learn more about HelpAge International’s Board of Trustees