Oman committed to social protection inclusion: ISSA

Observer

19-04-2025

Muscat: In a rapidly changing world shaped by demographic shifts, social protection has emerged as a vital safety net for societies facing modern-day risks. While progress is evident in expanding coverage, nearly 3.8 billion people remain completely unprotected, according to the ILO's World Social Protection Report 2024–2026.
In an interview with the Observer, Dr Mohammad Azman, President of the International Social Security Association (ISSA), said the world is witnessing a dual reality in the field of social protection. 'Systems have evolved in response to global crises, but the pace of expansion remains too slow. At this rate, achieving universal coverage could take decades. This is an issue of global equity. Every unprotected individual weakens the global safety net and leaves us more vulnerable to future shocks,' he said.
'Youth unemployment is especially alarming — about 13 per cent of young people globally are unemployed, and we'll need to create 600 million new jobs by 2030 to match the growing workforce,' he added, noting that chronic health conditions now account for 74 per cent of all global deaths, placing increasing strain on health and social systems.
At the same time, rising public expectations require social protection institutions to deliver better services — faster, more transparently, and with higher quality. 'The future demands systems that are resilient, inclusive, and innovative,' Dr Azman said, acknowledging that the existence of a gap between social protection systems in developing and developed countries. However, he stresses that this disparity is not purely economic.
'Coverage rates aren't solely dependent on development levels. They're shaped by policy choices and institutional capacities. Many developing countries ave made major strides — especially in health coverage — while some developed nations still struggle with gaps in coverage and benefit adequacy. What's needed is sustained investment, smart policymaking, and the sharing of best practices globally. Stronger protection anywhere benefits everyone," he said.
Dr Azman said, 'What distinguishes Oman is its bold commitment to inclusion. They've extended coverage to groups often left out — self-employed workers, entrepreneurs, those in informal sectors. It's a forward-looking response to today's labour market realities.' He also praises Oman's integration of multiple pension schemes under a single Social Protection Fund (SPF), calling it a strategic move toward improved governance and sustainability. 'The use of digital systems and integrated data management has made services more accessible and transparent. Oman is building a system that's responsive, people-centered, and ready for the future." On the relationship between ISSA and Oman, Dr Azman said Oman actively participates in ISSA's technical commissions, regularly shares good practices, and has aligned its reforms with international standards. 'This collaboration has been instrumental in supporting Oman's bold reforms,' he notes. 'The 2023 ISSA Good Practice Award for Asia and the Pacific — awarded to Oman — was a well-deserved recognition of this achievement." When asked how Oman can benefit from global experiences without repeating others' mistakes, Dr said, "Learning from others doesn't mean copying them.' He encourages Oman to study what has worked well — such as coverage expansion, governance improvements, and financial sustainability — while avoiding complex, costly systems that may not fit the local context.