An international conference titled “Adapting Social Protection Systems in the Context of Contemporary Global Challenges” has commenced in Baku. The event is jointly organized by the International Association of Pension and Social Funds (APSF) and the State Social Protection Fund under the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Population.
The two-day conference brings together government officials, representatives of international organizations, and delegates from social protection institutions of Serbia, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Belarus, and Tajikistan.
In his opening speech, Minister of Labour and Social Protection of Population Anar Aliyev emphasized the importance of this conference for enhancing global cooperation and experience-sharing in the field of social protection. He noted that the election of the State Social Protection Fund Chairman as the President of the APSF for a five-year term at the 2023 General Assembly demonstrates Azerbaijan’s growing international standing.
Minister highlighted that, thanks to the special attention of President Ilham Aliyev to the social sphere, five major social reform packages have been implemented in recent years. These reforms, with an annual financial volume of 7,6 billion manat, have benefited around 4 million people and significantly increased social payments.
He also spoke about the social support measures for families of martyrs and war veterans, as well as efforts to ensure employment for residents returning to the liberated territories under the Great Return program. The advantages of the DOST concept were presented, including the digitalization of over 90% of the Ministry’s 159 services—60 of which are offered proactively. Reforms carried out within the State Social Protection Fund were also highlighted, noting that these efforts earned 116 international awards last year alone.
It was stressed that labour market transformation, the rise of non-standard forms of employment, demographic changes, climate change, and the growing use of artificial intelligence require social protection systems to be flexible and resilient. In this context, innovation-driven modernization of social protection institutions is a top priority.
Anar Aliyev stated that Azerbaijan is open to international cooperation, exchange of experience, and joint initiatives in this field, and wished the conference participants success.
Zaka Mirzayev, Chairman of the Board of State Social Protection Fund and President of the APSF, stated that the active cooperation among member institutions allows them access to the latest research, advanced international practices, and modern methods in the field of social protection.
Marcelo Abi-Ramia Caetano, Secretary General of the International Social Security Association (ISSA), emphasized the significance of the conference and noted that discussions on vital topics related to social protection will open new avenues for future cooperation.
In a video message from the International Labour Organization (ILO), it was highlighted that this conference will contribute to strengthening collaboration on social protection reforms across countries. A speech was also delivered by Azar Bayramov, Director General of the Labour Centre of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
The conference featured a presentation on social protection reforms in Azerbaijan, as well as presentations and discussions on pension systems in Serbia, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, the social insurance system in Kazakhstan, and labour market development perspectives in Azerbaijan.
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