GPSSA Engages In Seminar On Innovative Social Security Reforms Held In Oman

The General Pension and Social Security Authority (GPSSA) recently took part in a seminar on Innovative Social Security Reforms. This event, held in Oman from 14th to 15th April, focused on the use of technology and institutional changes in social security reforms. It was organised by the International Social Security Association (ISSA) and the International Labor Organisation (ILO), with support from the ISSA Liaison Office for Arab Countries.

Among the GPSSA delegation were Hind Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of the Pensions Sector; Dr. Maysa Rashed Ghadeer, Head of Government Communication; Muna Mohammed Al Dhaheri, Media Section Manager; and Wafa Mohamed, Operations Officer at the Pension Operations Department. Their participation highlighted GPSSA's commitment to advancing social security through innovation and collaboration.

The seminar also celebrated winners of the Scientific Research Award for Civil Retirement and Social Insurance Institutions. This award, initiated for 2024-2025 across GCC countries, aims to foster scientific research in pension and social security. In its first edition, it attracted 61 research proposals, with 29 qualifying for further consideration.

Hind Al Suwaidi was honoured as a member of the award's main committee alongside Dr. Ghadeer. Their roles were pivotal in supporting the award's objectives and raising awareness about its significance. "Being recognised by the Scientific Research Award for Civil Retirement and Social Insurance Institutions represents GPSSA’s contribution and support towards innovation and scientific research in the fields of pension and insurance," said Al Suwaidi.

The seminar addressed various challenges facing the insurance sector through 17 research findings. These studies focused on sustainable pension funds, actuarial science, digital transformation, institutional investment, legislation, governance mechanisms, and extending insurance coverage as a pioneering model in the region.

Dr. Ghadeer emphasised that participating in such seminars allows GPSSA to collaborate with peers while exchanging ideas and experiences. "GPSSA’s participation in like-minded research seminars offer an opportunity to collaborate, brainstorm, exchange ideas and experiences," she noted.

Reform Themes Discussed

The seminar presented national reform experiences under two main themes crucial for regional reforms. The first theme addressed challenges related to social security financing, ageing populations, climate change impacts, and evolving labour markets. The second theme explored reforms aimed at extending coverage and enhancing benefit adequacy within social security systems.

This gathering underscored the importance of continuous research to develop policies that improve pensioners' well-being while ensuring sustainable pension schemes are available for future generations.

With inputs from WAM