The problem of Italy is not really a question of age. Japan has an older population, and it is now in full economic recovery. The problem is that Italy is old in the structure of the society.

Prodi is also a member of the Club de Madrid an international organization of former democratic statesmen which works to strengthen democratic governance and leadership. On 12 September 2008 United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon selected Prodi as president of the African Union-UN peacekeeping panel.