GENEVA (ILO News) – Social security programmes worldwide are facing exceptional challenges imposed by the global financial crisis and are responding in innovative ways. An international seminar this week will hear how social security funds have suffered unprecedented losses in 2008, while simultaneously experiencing a significant increase in demand.
The seminar, Social Security in Times of Crisis: Impact, Challenges and Responses, will be held by the International Social Security Association (ISSA) on 24-25 April in collaboration with the Social Security Department of the International Labour Organization (ILO). The seminar will gather over 200 high-level representatives of social security institutions from all regions, economic and social policy experts, as well as representatives of the World Bank, OECD and other international organizations.
Results of a global survey of social security institutions to be presented at the seminar show that, while the need for social protection is acute, there are mid-term policy implications for social security schemes as they cope with lower contributions and a rapid increase in demand.
Case studies from social insurance schemes in 10 countries, including Brazil, Canada, China, Jordan, South Africa and the USA, will detail how the financial crisis is affecting social security at the national level and will outline innovative policy responses.
Note to correspondents
The seminar is open to interested media representatives. ISSA and ILO experts are available for interview on request.
Further information and the list of speakers (regularly updated) is available on the ISSA Website: www.issa.int/crisis09
Interpretation will be available in English, French, Spanish, German and Russian.
ISSA and ILO media contacts
Laurie Jones, Director, ISSA, Promotion: Email: jonesla@ilo.org, Tel.: +4122/799-6144. Mobile: +4179/773-1381
Alexander Belopopsky, ISSA, Communication Officer: Email: belopopsky@ilo.org, Tel.: +4122/799-7323. Mobile: +4179/455-9080
Corinne Perthuis, Chief, ILO Strategic Communication: Email: perthuis@ilo.org, Tel.: +4122/799-7062. Mobile: +4179/593-1491