Organized by the International Social Security Association (ISSA) and hosted by the Department of Social Development of the Republic of South Africa, the World Social Security Forum will gather over 1,000 leaders of social security organizations from more than 100 countries, from 29 November to 4 December 2010.

Proactive strategies to face emerging challenges

“The global economic crisis has challenged the financial sustainability of social security systems, but has also affirmed the essential contribution of social security to social cohesion and economic development,” noted Hans-Horst Konkolewsky, ISSA Secretary General, in advance of the Forum.

“Cape Town will become the ‘social security capital of the world’, as the Forum will provide a unique international platform for leaders of social security institutions from all regions to exchange experience and consider proactive strategies to face the emerging challenges of a post-crisis world.”

The programme will cover a comprehensive range of key topics for social security decision-makers, including pensions, unemployment, extension of coverage, health care and prevention, and will include the following highlights:

• Developments and trends in social security: Presentation of the ISSA global report on the major developments and key challenges in social security worldwide.
• Good governance of social security institutions: Debate on the key principles and practical guidelines for good governance prepared by the ISSA.
• The challenge of demographic changes: Exchange on strategies for adapting to the challenge of ageing societies.
• Extension of social security coverage: Discussion of the strategies of the ISSA and the International Labour Organization on the extension of social security.
• Focus on Africa: Analysis of the role of social security as a catalyst for the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.

The ISSA statutory bodies will meet during the Forum, and will elect a new ISSA President, Treasurer and the members of its Bureau and Control Commission.

World Social Security Summit

The World Social Security Summit will be the culmination of the Forum. Ministers and high-level representatives of international organizations and civil society will debate how social security can be a key enabler of social stability and economic development in the post-crisis world economy.

FURTHER INFORMATION

The World Social Security Forum is open to ISSA member organizations. Further information is available on the WSSF sub-site: World Social Security Forum >>