Digital rights in action: highlights from the StandByMe International Academy
On May 29-30 , CollectiveUP and our partners gathered in Athens for the StandByMe International Academy—a two-day event dedicated to digital inclusion and the rights of older adults in the digital age.
Hosted in the heart of the Greek capital, this gathering wasn’t just another meeting. It was a collaborative space for testing tools, sharing insights, and imagining what a rights-based digital future could look like. Educators, researchers, NGOs and advocates came together to reflect on lived experiences, exchange practical strategies, and strengthen their work with older populations through a human rights lens.
Day 1:
Digital rights meet daily life
The first day focused on connecting research and practice. The StandByMe team presented key findings on how digital transformation impacts older adults—and what adult education professionals need to know.
We discussed:
- The growing gap in digital access and agency for older adults.
- How a human rights-based approach can offer a new framework for inclusion.
- Why digital inclusion must go beyond skills to include dignity, choice, and awareness.
A standout session came from AGE Platform Europe, who led a future-focused workshop asking: What will digital life look like in 2035 for older adults? Participants explored how emerging technologies might affect autonomy, surveillance, accessibility, and rights—and how we can prepare.
Day 2:
Co-creation, feedback and exchange
On day two, the spotlight turned to collaboration. Participants got a first look at the StandByMe MOOC, an online course designed to support professionals working at the intersection of ageing, tech and social justice.
Through live testing, we gathered crucial feedback on the platform’s accessibility, clarity, and real-world relevance. These insights will help us make the course more intuitive and inclusive before its broader launch.
We also facilitated group exchanges where participants shared tools, local methods, and successful initiatives from their own contexts—from intergenerational learning formats to community-run digital cafés. The common thread? Real stories, mutual respect, and a commitment to change.
🖥️ The MOOC is live! You can now register and explore the first course, “Digital Transformation and the Implications for Your Work with Older Adults”, on the StandByMe e-learning platform.
👉 https://adulteduc.gr/e-learning/
📘 You’ll find modules on:
- Digital transformations in society
- The grey digital divide and who gets left behind
- A human rights-based approach to digital inclusion
🎥 Want to see the spirit of the event? Stefaan Van der Biest from Avansa captured it beautifully in this short video.StandbyMe Athens.mp4
