Representing older people residing in Germany, the Secretariat for International Policy on Ageing is involved in the implementation of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing of the United Nations and the Sustainable Development Goals. To engage in these political processes BAGSO participates in the Standing Working Group on Ageing of the UN Economic Council of Europe (UNECE), the European umbrella organisation AGE Platform Europe and the Stakeholder Group on Ageing (SGA).

The Secretariat also engages in the international work undertaken to strengthen the rights of older people. It participates in the Open-Ended Working Group on Ageing at the UN in New York and closely liaises with the Global Alliance of the Rights of Older People (GAROP), an alliance of civil society organisations from around the world.

The Secretariat further provides information on the situation of older people around the globe and encourages exchange among older people’s organisations from various countries. It is funded by the Federal Ministry of Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth.