The 8th Annual Regional Pension and Social Insurance Conference commences under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum

43 organizations representing social insurance and retirement bodies from 18 Arab and Western countries took place in the conference which is being held in Abu Dhabi.

"The rapid economic changes the world is experiencing today, and the effects of these on the lifestyles of communities, are proving to be catalysts in the progress of pensions and social security. Coping with these changes are a leading priority in ensuring a comfortable future to individuals considering retirement" said H.E. Sultan Ahmad Al Ghaith, General Manager of the GPSSA.

Al Ghaith emphasized that the conference was the outcome of the research and analysis dedicated to solving the difficult issues facing communities, especially the labor sector as well as retired individuals and their families. Thus, the labor sector represents the main basis for implementing the investment and development plans.

"The UAE if focused on developing the rules and regulations of pension and social security to secure the laws of social security and employ human sustenance. We have realized this through the UAE's active participation in all the conferences, seminars and meetings dealing with this issue" added Al Ghaith.

Special attention has been given to improving the infrastructure of the General Pension and Social Security Authority with the use of technology to organize the systems of the authority. This has proved critical in enhancing the insurance services offered.
GPSSA's participation in this conference and it's reliance on the experience it has to offer for the enrichment of its future policies, revisiting it's rules and regulations to keep them consistent with the progress of it's outlook, and keeping up with national standards, is essential. This will aid in securing a stable financial interest for the authority in keeping it secured against market hazards.

"We are relying on this conference as well as the many professionals participating in it. These experts are representatives of the general managers of civil retirement and social insurance in the region and the world, representatives of insurance companies, banks and investment companies in addition to some universities and the societies representing scientific research institutions" Al Ghaith added.

"This conference represents an opportunity for delegates to participate in the debate over issues relating to social insurance. One of the central issues we face today in nations around the world is early retirement. This issue has the potential to lead to financial and economic difficulties in the long run if it is not handled carefully. This conference is essential to address the challenges that such a situation represents" said Mr. Warren McGillivray, Chief, Studies and Operations Branch, The International Social Security Association.

Mr. Ibrahim Muhanna, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, The Muhanna Foundation, co-organizers of the conference, added that the International Labor Association has recommended the implementation of social insurance in all parts of the community because social security is crucial is enhancing the level of effectiveness of the individual.

Mr. Muhanna pointed out that the experts in this field are resources that are relied upon by social insurance systems to battle the threats of a future without life insurance, retirement schemes, and work liabilities.

The conference will continue over 3 days and has 100 attendees from 18 different countries amongst which are Algeria, Libya, Egypt, Sudan, KSA, Jordan, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Yemen, Syria, Cyprus, Turkey, Iran, Lebanon, UK and the UAE.