The ISSA Liaison Office for Arab Countries promotes regional social security cooperation and networking, and supports the ISSA by promoting the Association’s products and services, organizing events, and facilitating the exchange of good practices among social security institutions from Arab speaking countries in the Middle East.
Acting as a channel of communication between the region and the ISSA General Secretariat, the Liaison Office for Arab Countries gathers information on the interests and needs specific to the region and collaborates in the design of a tailored capacity-building programme for Arab speaking countries in the Middle East.
Combining non-contributory provisions under the form of cash transfer programmes with social insurance schemes, the region is making visible progress towards inclusive societies. Around 50 per cent of older persons receive either a contributory or a social pension. Universal health coverage is also on the social policy agenda in most of the countries in the region.
Sound management of social security schemes is a key factor for the success of social protection policies and provisions. In this regard, the Liaison Office for Arab Countries also aims to develop cooperation with ISSA members in Middle East, supporting these countries’ efforts to extend social security coverage.
Video: Public Institution for Social Security, Kuwait