The 112th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) was an important moment for the International Social Security Association (ISSA) to emphasise the role of social security institutions in delivering social justice. The ILC was also an opportunity for the ISSA to meet and hold discussions with several member institutions and partners.
During the yearly International Labour Conference, the International Labour Organization (ILO) brings together governments and social partners in Geneva, Switzerland to hold discussions and set the broad policies of the ILO. This year’s conference took place from 3 to 14 June.
In his address to the ILC on 5 June, ISSA Secretary General Marcelo Abi-Ramia Caetano highlighted that the ILO and ISSA have worked side by side to promote the development of social security systems since 1927, but that more needs to be done. “We must redouble our efforts to bridge the persistent social protection coverage gap that still affects too many workers worldwide”, he said.
Mr Caetano reiterated that the ISSA is fully engaged in promoting and contributing to the ILO’s Global Coalition for Social Justice, which it joined officially in February 2024. An inaugural forum for the Global Coalition was held during the ILC, focussed on building resilient societies, improving the coherence between economic and social policies, and fostering social dialogue for shared prosperity.
Many representatives of ministries and government institutions in charge of social protection took part in the ILC, which gave the opportunity for the ISSA to meet and hold important discussions with existing and potential member institutions, as well as partners, from all world regions.