A year of milestones for the International Social Security Association

A year of milestones for the International Social Security Association

The International Social Security Association (ISSA) has had a remarkable year in 2024, marked by significant events, knowledge production and international collaboration aimed at enhancing social security systems worldwide.

Being in the middle of the 2023–2025 ISSA programme and budget, 2024 was a busy year for the Association. It was marked by a large variety of important activities and events, the release of flagship reports, and important cooperation at the international level to promote social security and the role of social security organizations.

Notably, the ISSA contributed to G20 and BRICS discussions on social protection, and launched the G20 Social Policy Portal together with the International Labour Organization (ILO). The ISSA also formally joined the ILO’s the Global Coalition for Social Justice, and in his speech to the International Labour Conference, the ISSA Secretary General, Marcelo Abi-Ramia Caetano, emphasised the role of social security organizations in delivering social justice.

A record number of events

Throughout the year, ISSA organized a series of high-impact events, meetings and capacity building activities, including regional forums, international conferences, technical seminars, webinars, various training activities and statutory meetings. Altogether, the ISSA organized or co-organized over 100 such events in 2024, a record high. Highlights include:

The ISSA also marked a decade of excellence with the ISSA Diploma training programme, and the half-way mark for the first students of the new international Master’s degree in social security.

Awards and recognitions

The Good Practice Award competitions for both Asia and the Pacific and for Europe saw record participation, with the Social Protection Fund (SPF) of Oman and the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) of Poland winning the main prizes. In addition, the Central Provident Fund Board (CPFB) of Singapore and the Federation of Social Insurances in Austria were awarded the first ever ISSA Special Distinction for Innovation awards in these regions.

At the Regional Social Security Forum for Asia and the Pacific, the Abu Dhabi Pension Fund, the United Arab Emirates, BPJS Ketenagakerjaan, Indonesia, the Maldives Pension Administration Office and the Social Security Corporation, Jordan obtained Certificates of Excellence under the ISSA Recognition programme for their successful implementation of various ISSA Guidelines.

Reports and analysis

The ISSA released and contributed to reports on key topics in 2024, including Artificial intelligence in social security organizations, Rehabilitation for COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 conditions, Policy trends for tackling shortage occupations, and the Survey Report 2024 on Administrative Data and Service Initiatives, and Actuarial considerations around climate-related risks on social security. As for the International Social Security Review one issue focussed on cash transfers in light of COVID-19, and another one on gender and social security.

Looking at regional and global developments, the ISSA produced regional reports on social security developments and trends for both Asia and the Pacific and for Europe, and contributed to the International Labour Organization’s World Social Protection Report 2024–2026. Finally, the ISSA continued to publish analysis articles covering key topics for social security administrations, such as the extension of coverage, information and communication technology, health and long-term care, migration and international agreements.

Making ISSA fit for the future

The ISSA General Secretariat, in close cooperation with the Bureau, is constantly working to ensure the good governance and transparency of the Association, and to implement the programme and budget, tackle ongoing challenges and prepare for the future. In late 2024, the ISSA was able to renew its ISO certification.

The Bureau held important discussions in June 2024. In parallel the Nominations Committee met to prepare for the (re-)elections of the President, the Treasurer and Control Commission in 2025. The Working Group on Constitutional Amendments held five meetings in 2024 to discuss aiming to make the ISSA better prepared for virtual or hybrid meetings and voting procedures under exceptional circumstances. Also, the Finance Committee met to assess the financial situation of the ISSA.

Beyond the statutory bodies and working groups, the broader participation and input of ISSA member organizations is of crucial importance. In the second half of 2024, a member survey was conducted. The results will be analysed and presented to the Bureau and feed into the preparation of the programme and budget for the 2026–2028 triennium. Key findings will also be shared in an upcoming news article on the ISSA website.

Looking ahead

As the year concludes, the ISSA continues to demonstrate its commitment to excellence in social security administration and it has a robust agenda for 2025. Already in January, a technical seminar on social security in the informal sector will be held in India, followed by the International Conference on Management and Innovation in Social Security in Egypt, in February.

The highlight of the year and the triennium will be the World Social Security Forum and ISSA General Assembly in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 29 September–3 October 2025. Organized once every three years, this is the biggest and most important global event on social security. Over 1000 participants from the ISSA’s 338 member organizations in 163 countries will come together to share, learn and debate on how to shape social security for a world in transition.