The International Social Security Association (ISSA) has launched the report to frame the discussions at the Regional Social Security Forum for Asia and the Pacific in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which starts today. The report offers an overview of the evolving landscape of social security systems across the region, highlighting both the challenges and, in some areas, the remarkable progress made in recent years.

Historical challenges and current gaps

Social security systems in Asia and the Pacific have long grappled with significant challenges, including disparities in coverage between public and private sectors, gaps in legal and effective coverage, and a high degree of fragmentation. Despite these hurdles, a growing number of countries in the region are increasingly prioritizing social security within their national economic and social development agendas.

One of the most pressing issues remains the lack of coverage for over two billion people in the region, leaving them vulnerable to various life cycle and socioeconomic risks. Particularly affected are those in the “missing middle,” who are unable to afford social insurance or qualify for means-tested social assistance, in addition to marginalized groups that often lack access to basic social protection.

Progress and optimism

Despite these challenges, there is a growing sense of optimism. Over the past decade, Asia and the Pacific has achieved the largest increase in social security coverage globally. Increasing numbers of high-income and middle-income countries have realized universal or near-universal health and pension coverage.

National governments and social security organizations have implemented innovative measures and proactive strategies to address coverage gaps for the “missing middle”, including by combining contributory and non-contributory programmes. Noteworthy advancements have also been made for self-employed workers, migrant workers, and women. Social security organizations are increasingly supporting individuals through life’s transitions, from birth to retirement, and during periods of ill health or disability.

In most cases, significant policy developments have been bolstered by investments in administrative tools, innovation, and information and communication technology.

Innovations and future directions

The report highlights the crucial role of administrative innovations and technology. Social security organizations in the region are enhancing communication and outreach, building inclusive services, improving service quality, leveraging data for innovative services, strengthening human resources, and bolstering contribution collection and fraud prevention.

Many countries in the region are also taking decisive steps – for example, by increasing the retirement age, encouraging longer careers, expanding the contributory base in various ways, or optimizing and diversifying investments – to address the financial sustainability of social security systems in the face of rapid population ageing and evolving labour markets. Countries are also strengthening social security systems to build resilience in the face of growing risks related to large-scale shocks, particularly those linked to climate change.

Interactive format

The report will inform the discussions during the Regional Social Security Forum for Asia and the Pacific, which takes place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 3–5 December 2024. It is presented as an e-publication that enables readers to navigate the content with ease, and with access to a wealth of information and resources on the specific topics covered in the report. In addition, a print-friendly pdf-version is also available.