The Honourable Victor F. Banks led a delegation to Russia for the International Social Security Association (ISSA) Forum in Moscow, Russia, held at the World Trade Center Building there. The Conference commenced on Monday, September 10th and is scheduled to conclude on Saturday September 15th, 2007. Banks’ delegation includes the Director of Social Security Mr. Timothy Hodge and Board Member Mr. Curtis Richardson.

L-R: Mr. Timothy Hodge, Hon. Victor Banks and Curtis Richardson

The first World Social Security Forum, organized by the ISSA, is a unique event and the high level of participation confirms a renewed confidence in social security worldwide, particularly for the Caribbean region. The diverse programme will allow participants to share their knowledge and experiences, and develop new partnerships, in order to send a clear message about the importance of social security for social cohesion and equitable development. During the first sessions it was evident that the Forum will afford participants an opportunity for in-depth exchanges of key issues facing social security as all are invited to contribute actively to the debates.

On Monday, September 10th, 2007, the Opening Ceremony was conducted. The main focus of the discussion for the remainder of the day was on the developments and trends in social security. Following the day’s proceedings the National Organizing Committee of the ISSA World Social Security Forum invited all delegates to a dinner. The gala Dinner was held at the Central Exhibition Hall ‘Manezh’ in central Moscow.

A highlight of the 2007 World Social Security Forum in Moscow will be the Social Security Summit, on September 14, 2007. Key officials from the International Labour Office (ILO), the World Bank, the OECD and the Council of Europe will join ministers with responsibilities for social protection to examine the crucial role of social security in addressing the challenges of global development and poverty reduction and in ensuring the social dimension of globalization.

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