In spite of the important social achievements of the last decade, social security institutions in the Americas have to face a number of challenges to provide adequate social protection, especially in extending the coverage of social security systems. Moreover, institutions have to improve their administrative efficiency to provide new services with reduced budgets. In this context, the development of a culture of social security has been identified as a strategic approach to build a solid foundation for social security systems.
The Forum programme included sessions on three key themes:
- Effective and sustainable coverage extension of social security.
- Moving from effectiveness to efficiency: towards a permanent improvement of social security administration.
- Proactive and preventive strategies for improving social security outcomes.
The Forum culminated in a high-level summit discussion on future challenges and priorities for social security in the region, involving policy-makers and representatives of international organizations.