Founded under the auspices of the International Labour Organization (ILO), the ISSA promotes excellence in social security, and is the global voice for over 320 social security institutions in 156 countries. In December 2018, the ISSA member institutions elected Mr Caetano to become its Secretary General. He was until recently Secretary for Social Security of the Ministry of Finance in Brazil, and has spent his whole career in policy and research work in the field of social security.

Mr Caetano’s ambition is to further strengthen the role of social security in the world through international cooperation and build a vibrant community amongst the ISSA members. “Strong social security protection is key to ensuring stable and inclusive societies. Our members already provide this protection to more than 3 billion people every day. To shape the future of social security and support national systems in facing key challenges such as incomplete coverage, population ageing or the digital economy, the ISSA will strengthen its voice and work towards innovative solutions”, he said.

In his new role, Mr Caetano will manage and direct the activities of the ISSA and work with key partners in realizing the ISSA’s mission of supporting excellence in social security. During his first year in office, Mr Caetano will oversee the organization of the World Social Security Forum (WSSF). This triennial event gathers more than 1,000 high level experts and policy-makers, and will be hosted in Brussels, Belgium, 14-18 October.

The International Social Security Association (ISSA) is the world's leading international organization for social security institutions, government departments and agencies. The ISSA promotes excellence in social security administration through professional guidelines, expert knowledge, services and support to enable its members to develop dynamic social security systems and policy throughout the world. The Association was founded in 1927 under the auspices of the International Labour Organization.