RIYADH: The Regional Social Security Forum for Asia and the Pacific will be held in Riyadh from Dec. 3 to 5, under the patronage of Saudi Finance Minister and Chairman of the General Organization for Social Insurance Mohammed Al-Jadaan.

Organized by the International Social Security Association every three years, the forum is a key regional gathering on social security and insurance protection.

Saudi Arabia’s hosting reflects its commitment to addressing future challenges and opportunities in social security, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

It also emphasizes the Kingdom’s role as a center for regional and international cooperation, strengthening its leadership in fostering strategic partnerships and knowledge exchange.

The forum will discuss evolving social protection needs, the leadership of social security institutions in developing protection systems, and the impact of economic and demographic changes. It will also discuss the transformation of service management and delivery, and how social security enhances resilience and sustainability.

Representatives from about 30 Asia-Pacific countries, members of the International Social Security Association, will attend. More than 400 participants, including institutional leaders, social protection experts, decision-makers, and representatives from 58 international organizations, will meet to discuss and improve social protection systems.

Marwan Al-Ghamdi, assistant governor for strategy and transformation at the General Organization for Social Insurance, told Arab News that the Kingdom’s hosting of the forum reflects its commitment to strengthening international cooperation to address social insurance challenges and develop innovative policies for inclusivity and sustainability.

“The organization’s mission, focused on achieving social protection for individuals and communities, depends on enhancing sustainable insurance systems, in addition to empowering future generations to build a prosperous future for all,” Al-Ghamdi said.

He added that the Kingdom’s experience in developing social protection systems is as an inspiring model for international institutions and the social insurance sector globally. This experience enriches forum discussions by showing programs that strengthen social protection as part of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

Hosting the forum offers an opportunity to reinforce regional cooperation and exchange best practices, strengthening social insurance systems in Asia-Pacific countries, Al-Ghamdi said.

Discussions may lead to innovative services and products that address challenges such as bridging gaps in cover and protecting workers. Successful experiences also raise awareness of the importance of comprehensive social protection and achieving the SDGs, he added.

Al-Ghamdi said that the forum facilitates the exchange of experiences and the formulation of shared policies to address challenges. Participants can launch innovative initiatives to enhance sustainable, high-quality social protection systems in the region.

The initiatives proposed at the forum could reshape the future of social security in the region, as partnerships help develop effective insurance strategies that meet community needs and strengthen the social insurance sector, he added.