This year marks a significant milestone for the International Social Security Association (ISSA) with the 10th edition of the Diploma training courses, which enables ISSA member institutions to improve their human resources capacity through high-quality training for their staff on key social security administration areas.
Under the Diploma training programme, which is exclusive to ISSA member institutions, each course has been designed to impart comprehensive knowledge on one particular set of ISSA Guidelines. In 2015, the first three courses were offered in English by the International Training Centre of the ILO (ITCILO) in Italy. In 2016, followed the Inter‑American Center for Social Security Studies (Centro Interamericano de Estudios de Seguridad Social – CIESS) in Mexico with courses in Spanish, the National School for Social Security (École Nationale Supérieure de Sécurité Sociale – EN3S) in France with courses in French and the Muhanna Foundation in Lebanon with courses in Arabic. Today, 15–20 courses are offered to over 250 participants from around 75 institutions and 55 countries per year.
Over the past decade the Diploma training programme has evolved significantly, adapting to global challenges and pioneering innovative learning methodologies. The courses go beyond mere theoretical learning and involve practical application of the Guidelines and sharing experiences through a global network of social security administrations. Real-world examples and case studies are used by the experienced trainers to illustrate how institutions can adapt and use the ISSA Guidelines for their particular needs.
The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a shift towards online learning. Most of the training institutions returned to residential courses after the crisis because they saw the undeniable value of face-to-face learning experiences. At the same time, experience from this period led to the incorporation of innovative online learning platforms and hybrid learning methods.
“It is a matter of great pride to see what has been achieved in these years and I want to thank all my colleagues for the progress made in offering the best learning experience and the ISSA, its member institutions and the participants for their constant support”, reflected Charles Crevier, Programme Manager at the ITCILO.
Virginia Petersen, a former social security executive from South Africa has been one of the trainers since 2016. She explained that for her it is a privilege to co-facilitate the courses on good governance and on service quality: “This training programme is the best organized capacity builder for any social security institution. The courses provide a framework and a toolkit that stimulate change, innovation and improvement through dynamism and enhancing customer-centric services.”
“The Diploma training course on the ISSA Guidelines on Service Quality provided me with the opportunity to enhance my knowledge on best practices and latest trends in the field. The chance to connect with participants from around the world deepened my understanding and sharpened my skills in service quality management", said Aishath Fazna, Public Relations Manager at the Maldives Pension Administration Office.
Looking ahead
The 10th edition of the ISSA Diploma training courses is not only an opportunity to commemorate past successes but also sets the stage for future advancements. For the coming years, the ISSA envisions to build on its commitment to excellence in training and capacity-building for social security professionals worldwide. This includes continuous improvement of the Diploma training courses by regularly updating the course content, methodologies, and introducing new modules covering emerging topics in social security to ensure relevance and effectiveness.
Complementary to the Diploma training programme, the ISSA has expanded its capacity building activities to better respond to its members’ needs. In 2023, a new international Master’s in social security was launched in partnership with Sciences Po Bordeaux and The Forhom Institute of Egis Conseil in France. The Master is organized in four blocks over two years, and it is still possible for candidates to apply for the two last blocks. The ISSA also organizes virtual short courses on-demand for groups of ISSA members that have specific common interest and needs.
There are still places available in the diploma training courses offered in Arabic and French in October–November 2024. Check out the diploma training calendar for more information on the courses and how to register. The next courses in English will take place in May 2025.