Bureau elects ISSA Vice-President, advances governance and strategic priorities

The 133rd Meeting of the Bureau of the International Social Security Association (ISSA) was held in Geneva, Switzerland, on 22 and 23 June 2026. The Bureau elected the ISSA Vice-President, admitted new member institutions, took note of the progress in implementing the ISSA programme and budget for the 2026-2028 triennium, and advanced preparations for the ISSA Centenary in 2027.

Opening the meeting, ISSA President Dr Mohammed Azman welcomed Bureau members and highlighted the importance of strong governance and member engagement as the Association begins a new triennium and prepares to celebrate its Centenary. Importantly, the Bureau elected General Aminata Diallo, Director General of the National Social Insurance Fund (Caisse nationale de prévoyance sociale - CNPS) of Guinea, as ISSA Vice-President for the 2026-2028 triennium.

As one of the first items on its agenda, the Bureau admitted and warmly welcomed four new member institutions of the Association from Costa Rica, Gambia, Mexico and Tanzania. The Bureau noted that the Association's membership has continued to grow in recent years, and there are currently 340 member institutions in 164 countries.

After the first six months of the new triennium 2026-2028, the Bureau reviewed progress in implementing the ISSA programme and budget, guided by the four strategic priorities for 2026-2028. The Secretary General's report on programme implementation milestones highlighted a series of achievements. This includes a record number of submissions for the Good Practice Award competitions for the Americas and Africa. 65 onsite and online events have already been organized or announced on the ISSA website, with more coming. In addition, the President provided an update on his activities and missions in the past months.

The Treasurer submitted his reports on the financial and budgetary situation, and the continued solid financial situation of the Association was welcomed by the Bureau. This will also allow for member contributions to the ISSA to remain unchanged for 2027, which was a recommendation brought forward by the ISSA Finance Committee and endorsed by the Bureau.

Following amendments to the ISSA Constitution by the General Assembly in September 2025, the Bureau made necessary updates to the ISSA Financial Regulations, and noted progress towards the adoption of implementing regulations for virtual meetings and e-voting for statutory bodies. In addition, by establishing the Nominations Committee for the triennium, the Bureau launched the preparatory process for the election of ISSA officers at the next Council meeting in 2028.

The longstanding collaboration between the ISSA and the International Labour Organization (ILO), as well as partnerships with other international organizations were also on the agenda. Discussions highlighted the importance of cooperation in advancing social security and supporting institutions worldwide. Addressing the Bureau, Shahra Razavi, Director of the Universal Social Protection Department at the ILO, highlighted recent developments including the adoption of the Decent Work in the Platform Economy Convention (No. 193) at the 114th International Labour Conference, and reaffirmed the strong value of the ISSA-ILO partnership.

Members also received updates on the work of the technical commissions and established a new International Section on Prevention in Small Entreprises, while dissolving the one for the iron and metal industry. The Association has 16 technical commissions and working groups, and 14 prevention sections.

Looking ahead to the ISSA Centenary in 2027, the Bureau discussed plans to engage members worldwide in celebrating 100 years of advancing social security. The Centenary will provide an opportunity to highlight the achievements of social security member institutions and the contribution of the ISSA to promoting excellence in social security administration since its establishment in 1927.

The next meeting of the ISSA Bureau will take place in January 2027 in a virtual format.