Regional Social Security Forum for Asia-Pacific Begins in Riyadh

The Regional Social Security Forum for Asia and the Pacific (RSSF Asia-Pacific) will commence tomorrow in Riyadh under the patronage of Minister of Finance Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Jadaan, the Saudi Press Agency reported. Hosted by the General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI) from December 3 to 5, the forum will gather leaders of social security organizations from the Asia-Pacific region, alongside social protection professionals and decision-makers from around the world.

Context and Background

The forum, organized by the International Social Security Association (ISSA), serves as a key platform for dialogue and cooperation among social security entities in the Asia-Pacific region. By hosting this event, GOSI aims to showcase its distinguished experience as a leading provider of social insurance services and exchange expertise with participating countries. The gathering highlights the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s enablement journey under Vision 2030, emphasizing the development of insurance tools through enhanced financial sustainability, inclusive digital transformation, and public-private cooperation.

Key Details

Over three days, the forum will bring together over 70 leaders of ISSA member organizations, decision-makers, and social protection experts from more than 30 countries. Through public and private sessions, participants will discuss regional insurance developments, innovations, sustainable insurance solutions, and key opportunities and challenges. The forum includes an accompanying exhibition showcasing GOSI’s pioneering experience, strategic transformations, and new products and services. On the final day, officials will hold a high-level session to discuss regional social security policies. The first day’s panel discussion will focus on “Social Security in Asia and the Pacific: Progress, Priorities, and Challenges,” beginning with “Social Transformation in the Kingdom: Implications on the Social Security Ecosystem,” reviewing GOSI’s role in creating innovative strategies that empower generations.

Implications and Impact

RSSF Asia-Pacific is a vital international gathering that aims to enhance cooperation and expertise exchange between social security organizations. The forum brings together leaders and experts to discuss digital transformation, expanding insurance coverage, and meeting evolving societal needs. It serves as an essential platform for exchanging best practices and developing innovative strategies to create inclusive and sustainable social security systems in the region. Saudi Arabia’s hosting underscores its growing role as a regional hub for policy dialogue and its commitment to advancing social protection frameworks.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The forum directly supports Vision 2030’s goals of building a vibrant society with robust social protection systems. By fostering international collaboration and showcasing Saudi expertise, the Kingdom reinforces its position as a leader in social insurance innovation. This event contributes to Vision 2030’s objective of enhancing the quality of life for citizens and residents, aligning with the broader economic and social transformation agenda.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the Regional Social Security Forum for Asia and the Pacific?

A1. It is an international gathering organized by the International Social Security Association, aimed at enhancing cooperation and expertise exchange between social security organizations in the Asia-Pacific region.

Q2. Who is hosting the forum in Riyadh?

A2. The forum is hosted by the General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI), the Kingdom’s social insurance provider, under the patronage of Minister of Finance Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Jadaan.

Q3. When is the forum taking place?

A3. The forum takes place from December 3 to 5, 2024, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Q4. How many participants are expected at the forum?

A4. Over 70 leaders of ISSA member organizations, decision-makers, and social protection experts from more than 30 countries are expected to participate.

Q5. What is the main goal of the forum?

A5. The main goal is to discuss regional insurance developments, innovations, sustainable solutions, and share best practices to enhance social protection systems.

Q6. Who is the International Social Security Association?

A6. The ISSA is a global organization that brings together social security agencies and experts to promote and develop social security worldwide.

Q7. How does this forum relate to Vision 2030?

A7. The forum supports Vision 2030 by showcasing Saudi Arabia’s enablement journey, highlighting digital transformation, financial sustainability, and public-private cooperation in social insurance.

Q8. What is GOSI’s role in the forum?

A8. GOSI hosts the forum to share its pioneering experience as a leading social insurance provider and exchange expertise with participating countries.

Q9. What topics will be discussed on the first day?

A9. The first day will focus on “Social Security in Asia and the Pacific: Progress, Priorities, and Challenges” and include a session on “Social Transformation in the Kingdom.”

Q10. Will there be an exhibition at the forum?

A10. Yes, there will be an accompanying exhibition showcasing GOSI’s strategic transformations, new products, and services.

Q11. How does the forum benefit social security systems?

A11. It facilitates the exchange of best practices, innovative strategies, and expertise to create inclusive and sustainable social protection systems in the region.

Q12. What is the significance of Saudi Arabia hosting this forum?

A12. It underscores Saudi Arabia’s leadership in social insurance innovation and its commitment to advancing regional collaboration under Vision 2030.

Q13. What is the role of digital transformation in the discussions?

A13. Digital transformation is a key topic, as it helps expand insurance coverage and meet evolving societal needs efficiently.

Q14. Who is the patron of the forum?

A14. The forum is under the patronage of Minister of Finance Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Jadaan.

Q15. What is the duration of the forum?

A15. The forum spans three days, from December 3 to 5, 2024.

Q16. What is a high-level session planned for the forum?

A16. On the third day, officials will hold a high-level session to discuss regional social security policies.

Q17. How does GOSI support different generations?

A17. GOSI offers innovative insurance products that advance social protection, empowering individuals at every stage of life.

Q18. What is the Asia-Pacific region’s importance in social security?

A18. The region is home to diverse social security systems, and the forum facilitates dialogue to address shared challenges and opportunities.

Q19. Are there any private sessions at the forum?

A19. Yes, the forum includes both public and private sessions to foster in-depth discussions among leaders and experts.

Q20. How can the forum impact global social security trends?

A20. By sharing Saudi Arabia’s pioneering experience and fostering regional cooperation, the forum contributes to developing sustainable social security solutions worldwide.

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