Saudi Arabia claims major social security advancements during critical forum

Saudi Arabia hosted the Regional Social Security Forum for Asia and the Pacific in Riyadh under the leadership of Mohammed Al-Jadaan, the minister of finance and chairman of the General Organization for Social Insurance. This forum, organized every three years by the International Social Security Association, focuses on future challenges and opportunities in social security systems across the region. During the forum, Al-Jadaan stressed the Kingdom's exemplary position in developing a solid social insurance framework, which is considered a fundamental element of Saudi Vision 2030. He revealed pivotal changes within the social insurance sector, notably the merger of the Public Pension Agency with the General Organization for Social Insurance. This merger aims to unify the insurance systems, streamline policies, and enhance the financial sustainability needed for the Kingdom's ambitious socio-economic agenda. Al-Jadaan further outlined several initiatives, including the Citizen Account Program, designed to support Saudi families amid economic reforms. Since its inception, the program has provided over SR222 billion in aid to households, indicating a strong commitment to social welfare. Additionally, the organization has invested heavily in digital infrastructure, achieving a total of 130 million electronic operations this year and ranking second in the Digital Experience Maturity Index. The discussion also extended to the implementation of strategies to address ongoing risks and challenges within insurance systems, which underlines the importance of adapting to future trends. The vice minister of finance, Abdulmohsen Al-Khalaf, elaborated on how social insurance serves as a vital component of the broader social protection system, ensuring that both public and private sector employees receive adequate protection upon completion of their service. Another key topic of discussion was the integration of artificial intelligence into social insurance operations. Ahmed Al-Omran, the assistant governor for IT at GOSI, noted the significant advancements, claiming that AI has exceeded medical professionals in diagnostic accuracy tests. This incorporation of technology into public services not only optimizes operations but also reflects the Kingdom's commitment to modernization and innovation. In the larger context of urban development and social enhancement, the Riyadh Metro project was highlighted as crucial for relieving traffic congestion in the capital. Khalid Al-Baker, CEO of the Quality of Life Program, reiterated that the metro system is pivotal for improving the quality of life for residents and serves to directly support the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. In addition to its substantial infrastructure, the Riyadh Metro will utilize renewable energy, aligning the project with environmental initiatives like the Saudi Green Initiative, which aims to plant ten billion trees across the nation. Overall, the forum served as a platform for discussing valuable insights and innovations in social security and urban infrastructure, marking significant steps toward a more sustainable and equitable future for Saudi Arabia.