Promoting and Developing Social Security Worldwide
The International Social Security Association (ISSA) is the principal international institution bringing together social security agencies and organizations. The ISSA’s aim is to promote dynamic social security as the social dimension in a globalizing world by supporting excellence in social security administration. Founded in 1927, the ISSA Secretariat has its headquarters at the International Labour Office, in Geneva.
The ISSA provides information, research, expert advice and platforms for members to build and promote dynamic social security systems worldwide. The vision of dynamic social security provides a framework for the ISSA's action. In line with the mandate of the ISSA, dynamic social security ties improvements in social security outcomes to the capacities of social security institutions.
Programme priorities
In the current triennium, the ISSA programme focuses on working with members in five priority areas:
- Administrative and operational efficiency;
- Social security reform processes;
- Extension of social security coverage;
- Sustainability challenges caused by demographic changes; and
- The promotion of dynamic social security at the international level.
To implement a range of projects and activities, the ISSA Secretariat works closely with its Technical Commissions, and the Special Commission on Prevention and its unique network of International Prevention Sections. The ISSA organizes four Regional Social Security Forums during the triennium, and a series of topic-related Technical Seminars and International Conferences on key social security issues.
The ISSA monitors and disseminates, mainly via its new Web portal, data on national social security programmes as well as the results of research and policy analysis. The Association facilitates the collection and exchange of good practices and the improvement of social security through knowledge transfer and advocacy.
The ISSA maintains partnerships with the ILO and other international bodies active in the field of social security.
Related resources
Constitution of the ISSA [ 2-Constitution_2007.pdf 259.80 kB ]
New ISSA Programme 2008-2010 [ 2new_issa.pdf 263.37 kB ]
