BEIJING - More than half of the world's population is not covered by any formal social security protection against the risks of old age, death, sickness, work accident and unemployment. The majority of the more than three billion without adequate coverage live in developing countries -- those most prone to social and economic instability -- and this could have serious implications for a world dependent upon sustained economic and social development. So affirmed the International Social Security Association (ISSA), a non-profit, international membership organization comprised of international social security administrators and policymakers. The ISSA announced the findings of its four-year Initiative today at its 28th General Assembly in Beijing.

The ISSA Initiative was launched to expand the global conversation about the benefits and importance of social protection around the world. The Initiative's Findings come from commissioned research and studies conducted across the world over the past four years.

The Initiative uncovered the essential link between economic and social development: social security plays a pivotal role in stimulating economic and social development by supporting economic growth and fostering social cohesion. Social and economic development can and must occur simultaneously -- and social security is a key factor for achieving both.

Created in the aftermath of two world wars, the ISSA is focused on promoting social security as a means for guaranteeing enduring peace. The findings of the Initiative underline the crucial role social security plays in today's world:

-- There is an intrinsic link between economic and social development, yet the number of people without such protection continues to rise.
-- Effective social security programs can foster social cohesion and boost economic development.
-- Many still remain unaware of their right to social protection and the public needs access to clear and unbiased information about the social security choices available to them.

"Over half of the world's population is without any formal social protection. This number is unacceptable and I am fearful for the possible repercussions, due to the strong link between social security and stability," said Dalmer Hoskins, the Secretary General of the ISSA. "At the same time I am optimistic that the ISSA Initiative has identified these issues before it is too late, and that they can be tackled through international cooperation. The goal of the Initiative -- to educate the public -- will hopefully lead to greater coverage and will clarify the misconceptions surrounding social security that have hindered its growth and development in the past."

About ISSA
Founded in 1927, the International Social Security Association (ISSA) is a non-profit, international membership organization at the epicentre of social security development and research, and dedicated to its promotion throughout the world. With more than 380 member organizations in 145 countries, representing people and institutions engaged in the provision of various forms of social protection, the ISSA is headquartered with the International Labour Office in Geneva, Switzerland, and has regional offices in Africa, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific and Europe.

International Social Security Association

International Social Security Association

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