Global Experts Gather in Oman to Address Future of Social Security at ISSA Technical Seminar
MUSCAT, April 15, 2025 — Experts, policymakers, and global representatives convened in Muscat on Monday for the hole of the Technical Seminar of the International Social Security Association (ISSA). Held below the theme “Innovative Social Security Reforms to Address Emerging Challenges,” the 2-day event is being hosted at Al Bustan Palace Hotel with the aid of Oman’s Social Protection Fund, in collaboration with the ISSA, the International Labour Organization (ILO), and the ISSA Liaison Office for the Arab Countries.
Responding to a Time of Rapid Transformation
Dr. Faisal Abdullah Al Farsi, CEO of the Social Protection Fund, inaugurated the seminar by emphasizing the urgent need for innovation in social security structures globally. He cited that countries around the world are undergoing significant transformation in their insurance, pension, and social protection system, driven by accelerating and multifaceted global challenges.
“These modifications are shaped by demographic shifts—most notably population aging—in addition to economic pressures, hard work market disruptions, and the growing expectancies of more younger generations for structures which can be fair, flexible, and future-ready,” stated Al Farsi.
He also stressed the importance of the seminar as a platform for communicate, knowledge trade, and the sharing of developmental experiences to help establishments adapt greater successfully to emerging societal desires and risks.
Focus on National Reform and Regional Cooperation
The seminar agenda is constructed around key structural theme of relevance to the Arab place and beyond.
The first theme focuses on reforms addressing the financing of social security, dealing with populace getting older, handling the affects of climate exchange, and responding to adjustments in hard work market dynamics.
The second theme explores strategies for expanding social security coverage, introducing new branches and blessings, and improving the adequacy of supports supplied to beneficiaries.
These themes matters had been reflected in a series of session and high-level presentations, starting with an in-depth look at Oman’s comprehensive social protection reform, which has recently gained international recognition. Oman’s initiative became awarded the ISSA Good Practice Award for Asia and the Pacific in 2024, highlighting the country’s leadership in modernizing its social protection systems.
Oman’s Reform Journey within the Spotlight
One of the key highlights of the first day was a session titled “Social Security Reforms in Oman – A Roadmap to Comprehensive Social Protection.” Delivered by Sayyid Shabib Abdullah Al Busaidi, Deputy CEO for Social Protection Affairs, the presentation provided a deep dive into Oman’s adventure toward constructing an inclusive, incorporated, and sustainable social protection system.
Al Busaidi mentioned the policy alternatives, structural reforms, and legislative charges which have underpinned Oman’s reform model. He emphasized the importance of inter-organization cooperation and stakeholder engagement in achieving long-term objective and public confidence within the system.
Regional and Global Dialogue on Shared Challenges
Following Oman’s case study, the seminar featured a roundtable titled “Where Do We Stand in Social Protection within the Region?” This session explored nearby trends and macroeconomic issues related to the sustainability of social protection systems. Representatives from the ILO, ISSA, World Bank, and UNICEF participated, analyzing how social and monetary rules intersect and shape the trajectory of reforms.
Another key session, “Reforms and Measures to Address Financing Challenges, Climate Change, Population Aging, and Evolving Labor Markets,” showcased international case studies and successful strategies from international locations which have confronted similar pressures. These examples have been supposed to provide sensible guidance for participants from nations undergoing or making plans systemic reforms.
Day Two: Expanding Coverage and Institutional Innovation
The seminar’s 2d day will consciousness at the growth of social security coverage and improving benefit adequacy for all population segments. Discussions will cope with how structures can better serve informal employees, marginalized companies, and the self-hired.
A high-level roundtable will bring together leaders from regional social security institutes to discuss strategies for institutional transformation. Topics will include the factors that facilitate or hinder effective reform, best practices in implementation, and strategies for aligning reforms with national development goals.
The events ambitions to strengthen cross-border collaboration and role the Arab area as a hub for innovation in social protection policy.
Looking Ahead
As social protection turns into increasingly more crucial to sustainable development, occasions just like the ISSA Technical Seminar play a critical role in shaping policy, encouraging collaboration, and selling resilience throughout structures. Oman’s leadership and reform success have emerge as a focal point for global communicate, and the seminar marks a key milestone in the vicinity’s collective effort to build inclusive, adaptive, and future-proof social security systems.
