September 2021

Social Protection in Lebanon Bridging the Immediate Response With Long- Term Priorities

By Unicef, ILO, & Beyond Since the Beirut Port explosion in August 2020 the social protection debate has been focused on the immediate and short-term response. Building on ongoing efforts for the development of a national social protection strategy for Lebanon, it is important to align the emergency response with medium term priorities and a longer-term vision for the sector. This paper serves to complement the Reform, Recovery and Reconstruction Framework (3RF)1. It draws on the findings of various assessments in...

Private pension plans in Latin America and sustainable finance

The private pension plan (PPP) market in Latin America is the region’s largest institutional client segment, with more than USD 900 billion in assets under management (AUM) at the end of 2020. And with projections forecasting AUM to reach USD 1.4 trillion by 2023, the PPPs are a reference point for smaller investors. Along with sovereign wealth funds (SWF), Latin America’s PPPs control a significant share of assets relative to GDP and thus can be very influential in the...

China to accelerate developing multi-tiered social security system: action plan

China will accelerate its efforts in developing a sustainable multi-tiered social security system that covers the entire population in both urban and rural areas and follows fair and uniform standards, according to the country's latest human rights action plan. Titled "Human Rights Action Plan of China (2021-2025)," the document was released on Thursday by the State Council Information Office. Read also China launches wealth management product pilots for retirement in four cities Under the principle of social security benefits for all eligible,...

World Social Protection Report 2020–22

By ILO Despite progress in recent years in extending social protection in many parts of the world, when the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic hit many countries were still facing significant challenges in making the human right to social security a reality for all. This report provides a global overview of progress made around the world over the past decade in extending social protection and building rights-based social protection systems, including floors, and covers the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. In...

More Than 4 Billion People Have No Social Protection as COVID-19 Wreaks Havoc

The International Labor Organization reports more than 4 billion people globally have no social protection at a time when the COVID-19 pandemic is wreaking havoc upon their lives and livelihoods. Read also World Social Protection Report 2020–22 The ILO's World Social Protection Report 2020-2022 reveals the extent to which COVID-19 has devastated the world of work. It exposes the inequality between the rich countries that are beginning to rebound from the economic distress of the pandemic and the developing countries that...

August 2021

Benefits and Costs of Social Pensions in Sub-Saharan Africa

By Melis U. Guven & Phillippe G. Leite The lack of efficient social security systems, the presence of large informal sectors, and the pace at which the population is aging in some Sub-Saharan African countries are red flags warning of a potential long-term problem: that is, the inability of countries to provide old-age income security to all. Many adults in the region have difficulties accessing health care and other essential services, increasing their vulnerability and their likelihood of becoming impoverished...

Zimbabwe. NSSA closes accounts for widows

THE National Social and Security Authority (Nssa) has closed accounts for widows and widowers, triggering an outcry. In an interview yesterday, Masvingo Pensioners Forum co-ordinator Charles Gonzi described the move as inconsiderate. "Nssa closed accounts for those with deceased husbands and wives who could not register on time. We were told we needed to bring our children regardless of where we are coming from. In this COVID-19 pandemic, movement is very difficult. How are people supposed to travel in this environment?"...

June 2021

US. Secure Act 2.0 Is Popular, but Not Perfect, Retirement Experts Say

The Secure Act 2.0 provides important benefits to help boost Americans’ retirement savings, but the huge retirement bill does have drawbacks, retirement experts told House lawmakers. Secure Act 2.0 — officially, the Securing a Strong Retirement Act — was part of a review of the nation’s retirement system during a hearing held Wednesday by the House Health, Employment, Labor and Pensions Subcommittee. On May 5, the House Ways and Means Committee passed the Secure Act 2.0, which raises the required minimum...

Saudi Arabia to merge pension, unemployment insurance funds with $29b in holdings

Saudi Arabia will combine two state-run pension and unemployment insurance funds into an entity with almost $29 billion of local and foreign stocks. Read also PIC confirms it owns 30% of new SAA consortium partner The cabinet approved the combination of the Public Pension Agency and the General Organization of Social Insurance (also known as GOSI). It'll boost investment returns, reduce costs and help with their diversification, Finance Minister and GOSI Chairman Mohammed Al Jadaan said in a statement. Read also Saudi...

April 2021

Chile’s Pinera counters opposition pensions withdrawal bill with own initiative

Chilean President Sebastian Pinera on Sunday announced the government will launch its own bill to allow citizens to draw more from their private pensions in a last-ditch attempt to kill off a similar move led by the opposition. Pinera said his proposed rival bill would be subject to means-tested taxation and would allow for the withdrawn funds to be gradually repaid through state and employer contributions. The president said his initiative was a better option than the opposition's bill, which the...