The 2019 Global Challenges for Social Security report, developed by the International Social Security Association (ISSA), provides an extensive overview of the critical challenges and innovative practices shaping the future of social security globally. This report, a culmination of research from 2016 through 2019, reflects comprehensive efforts by ISSA’s Social Security Development branch to build on initial findings presented at the Panama World Social Security Forum in 2016.
The Ten Global Challenges
- Health and Long-term Care: With aging populations and rising healthcare costs, the report emphasizes the need for proactive and preventative healthcare measures. It highlights the growing necessity for sustainable health and long-term care strategies that can cope with the increasing demand from an aging global population.
- Closing the Coverage Gap: The coverage gap remains a significant issue, with many around the world still lacking access to essential social security benefits. Efforts are required to extend coverage, particularly in informal sectors, and to ensure that social security systems are inclusive and accessible to all.
- Population Ageing: This challenge focuses on the demographic shifts leading to older populations globally. The report stresses the importance of adapting social security systems to the realities of an aging workforce and the associated economic impacts.
- Technological Transition: Technology plays a pivotal role in the transformation and efficiency of social security systems. The report discusses the integration of advanced technologies such as AI, big data, and biometrics to enhance service delivery and administrative efficiency.
- Public Expectations: Higher public expectations for transparent, efficient, and responsive social security services are driving significant changes in how services are delivered. This challenge calls for innovative approaches to meet these expectations while maintaining trust and satisfaction.
- Employment of Young Workers: Addressing the unique needs of young workers, particularly in transitioning from education to employment, is critical. The report suggests that social security systems need to be flexible and adaptable to support the dynamic needs of younger generations.
- Labour Markets and Digital Economy: The digital economy is reshaping labor markets, creating both opportunities and challenges. Social security systems must evolve to address the issues of gig economy workers and new forms of employment that do not fit traditional models.
- Inequalities Across the Life Course: The report identifies persistent inequalities that can be addressed through social security policies aimed at achieving more equitable outcomes across different stages of life.
- New Risks, Shocks, and Extreme Events: With the increasing occurrence of global pandemics, natural disasters, and economic shocks, social security systems must be robust and flexible to respond quickly and effectively to new risks.
- Protection of Migrant Workers: The mobility of labor presents unique challenges for social security systems, particularly in ensuring that migrant workers have adequate social protection. The report highlights the need for better coordination and agreements between countries to protect the rights of these workers.
Key Takeaways
The ISSA report underscores the importance of innovation, collaboration, and adaptability in social security systems to address the evolving challenges of the 21st century. It calls for a holistic approach that considers not just the economic factors but also the social well-being of populations. The insights from this report are crucial for policymakers, administrators, and stakeholders who are tasked with the development and reform of social security systems worldwide.
In conclusion, the 2019 Global Challenges for Social Security report provides a roadmap for strengthening the resilience and effectiveness of social security systems in an increasingly complex global landscape. The emphasis on technological integration, inclusivity, and proactive policymaking is essential for the future sustainability of social security globally.