The digital economy is rapidly changing the way we live, work, and organize our societies. How social security institutions can address this, is at the heart of discussions at the 15th ISSA International Conference on Information and Communication Technology in Social Security, in Casablanca (Morocco) 18-20 April.

The effective governance and use of information and communication technologies (ICT) is essential for delivering high quality services in social security, in a time of growing expectations and demands. “Development and innovation is happening at an ever-faster speed, and social security institutions need to be flexible and agile in order to adapt to changing demands“, said Hans-Horst Konkolewsky, Secretary General of the International Social Security Association (ISSA).

New technologies, new possibilities

Smart use of new technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data and blockchain technologies can improve any aspect of social security administration, from the ability to provide adequate and timely support, through communication with clients, to collection of contributions and financing.
In particular, technology can play a crucial role in providing social security coverage to the increasingly mobile workforce, for example by connecting through digital platforms. Also, in countries with ageing populations, new technological solutions can enable to implement long-term care systems based on home medical monitoring devices and intelligent assistants. At the same time, social security administrations need to address important concerns such as data and privacy protection, and cybersecurity.

A priority for CEOs

With the increasing importance of understanding, introducing and improving the use of ICT in social security, this is no longer a question only for ICT professionals. Increasingly, decisions on the use of ICT are of strategic importance to the organisation, and needs the attention of CEOs and decision makers in social security institutions.

Reaching out to business

Another key feature of the Conference is the organization of an ICT Industry Forum, featuring representatives of leading ICT companies who will present and discuss their strategic vision of products and services that can improve social security administration and delivery.
Some of the key highlights of the international conference will be to address the role of ICT in shaping the future of social security, the role of CEOs and leadership in ICT governance, the impact of cutting-edge technologies on social security, how innovation can lead to advancements on standards and common solutions, and experiences and demonstrations of the use of emerging technologies in social security.

Global forum

Over 350 ICT Managers, CEO’s and decision makers from ISSA member organisations in some 90 countries will participate in the Conference, making it the principle global forum for discussion and analysis of ICT in social security administration.

The Conference is organised by the ISSA and hosted by the National Social Security Fund of Morocco (CNSS), in partnership with the following ISSA member institutions of Morocco: Collective Scheme for Retirement Allowances (Régime collectif d’allocation de retraite – RCAR); Deposit and Management Fund (Caisse de Dépôt et de Gestion – CDG) ; Interprofessional Retirement Fund (Caisse Interprofessionnelle marocaine de retraites – CIMR); National Sickness Insurance Agency (Agence nationale de l’assurance maladie – ANAM); Pension Fund of Morocco (Caisse marocaine des retraites – CMR).

ISSA