Speaking at the World Social Security Forum, held in Moscow, 10-15 September 2007, Mr. Hans-Horst Konkolewsky, Secretary General of the International Social Security Association (ISSA),underlined that social security is a crucial factor in ensuring sustainable economic development and a fairer world, but that traditional social security systems need to adapt to the new context.

"Global economic growth is only sustainable if it is accompanied by social development. The Forum has confirmed that new and innovative approaches to social protection are emerging in many countries," Mr. Konkolewsky told participants. "What is now needed is a greater political will to extend social security coverage, to make it more accessible and sustainable."

Introducing a report on Developments and Trends: Supporting Dynamic Social Security, the
Secretary General pinpointed prevention and case management approaches to promote employment as models of a more proactive social security.

In her address to the gathering, ISSA President Ms. Corazon de la Paz recalled the founding vision
of the ISSA, which was established in 1927 to further social security worldwide.

“We are privileged here in being offered the opportunity to fight, in our own way, against poverty and
misfortune. And I believe that this battle is as worthy today as it was 80 years ago when the ISSA
was founded,” she said.

Speaking at the opening of the Forum, Mr. Dmitry Medvedev, First Deputy Prime Minister of the
Russian Federation, delivered a message from Russian President Putin, congratulating the ISSA on its anniversary, and thanking the organization for the scope and results of its work in the field of
social security.

Mr. Medvedev underlined that social concerns, and particularly demographic issues, were a national priority for the Russian authorities and that the ISSA offered a place for dialogue to resolve these major challenges.

With almost 1,200 participants from 126 countries, the first World Social Security Forum has been
one of the broadest gatherings of social protection leaders, specialists and researchers. Pension
reform, investment and actuarial policies, realizing high-performing organizations, accident
prevention and new strategies to reduce unemployment were some of the topics debated during the week.

In a session devoted to the extension of social security coverage, organized by the International
Labour Office (ILO), panellists reiterated the importance of linking economic growth and equity, as
evidence shows how investment in social security and labour market policies can enhance
productivity.

The efforts of the Russian authorities to address falling birth rates through changes in family policy
were presented during a concluding session organized by the Ministry of Health and Social
Development, an ISSA member and one of the main hosts of the Forum.

Concluding the Forum, a Summit event involving senior officials of international organizations and
national government representatives concurred that social security must be an indispensable priority for all political leaders if societies are to foster social cohesion and limit inequality.

The next World Social Security Forum is planned for 2010.

Reports, news and photos from the World Social Security Forum are available on:
http://www.issa.int/wssf07/