Young & Old
Rebuilding Intergenerational Solidarity
The Genesis of an Urgent Challenge
The origins of this exploration stem from a compelling conversation between co-authors RobynBennett, then 27, and Charles Landry, then 72. Their effortless collaboration across a 45-year age difference sparked curiosity about generational change—a living reminder that connection across ages isn’t just possible, but joyful and healing when conditions allow it to flourish.
The central question emerged with stark clarity: how can generations work together to create a shared future when the very foundations of intergenerational cooperation have eroded? Traditional structures that once connected generations have been fractured by urbanisation, digitalisation, and economic inequality. When accusations of “stealing futures” meet feelings of being scapegoated for complex systemic failures, the mutual solidarity essential for addressing our greatest challenges breaks down precisely when we need it most.
The Crisis and the Promise
Intergenerational divides represent one of the most underestimated threats to our collective capacity for effective action in the 21st century. We are witnessing a breakdown in trust between generations at the exact moment we need intergenerational collaboration to address climate emergency, democratic erosion, and technological disruption.
Yet beneath surface divisions lies extraordinary potential. Across continents, initiatives demonstrate that when generations work together, everyone flourishes—with profound benefits for healthcare, education, community resilience, and human connection. The joy and wisdom that emerges from these collaborations suggests we’re not just solving problems, but healing something essential about how we organise society.
The Gap That Limits Transformation
Most promising initiatives remain isolated and underfunded. Government officials implementing policies remain unaware of complementary grassroots innovations. What’s missing is the systems change infrastructure to coordinate scattered efforts into a movement that could serve as essential infrastructure for addressing our greatest challenges together.
Our Proposal
Drawing on our experience creating transformative gatherings, we’re proposing a Global Conference on Intergenerational Solidarity as the centrepiece of a three-phase systems change exploration. This would bring together the complete ecosystem—government officials, corporate leaders, grassroots organisers, researchers, and passionate individuals—to transform dispersed initiatives into coordinated momentum for systemic change.
Our Invitation
With the kind catalytic support of Stephen Kinsella and Tom Burke, among others, this has been our passion project. Now we’re personally excited to see where this could go next with the right collaborators. Intergenerational collaboration isn’t separate from our greatest challenges—it’s essential infrastructure for addressing them effectively together.
Could this be the beginning of a movement that transforms how humanity approaches its greatest challenges? We believe so, and we’re seeking collaborators to explore this possibility together.
If you’re interested in joining this exploration—whether through hosting venues, financing, strategic connections, or expertise—please complete this form to share how you might contribute to rebuilding the social contract between generations.
