Dr. Mohamed Karki Launches Initiative to Reform Pension Systems at Tunis Conference

The Public Relations Directorate of the National Social Security Fund reported that Dr. Mohamed Karki, head of the executive office of the Arab Social Security Association and general director of social security, participated in the 8th Arab Pension Conference titled "The Journey of Reforms Towards Pension Security." The event took place in Tunis from July 20 to 22 under the patronage and presence of the Tunisian Minister of Social Affairs, Essam Al-Ahmar, and the CEO of Money Money and head of the organizing committee, Ibrahim Khalil Ibrahim. Approximately 400 participants attended, representing social security and insurance institutions as well as experts from international and regional organizations.

During the official opening ceremony, Dr. Karki introduced an initiative aimed at reforming pension systems based on five main pillars:

First, enhancing the financial sustainability of pension and social insurance systems through gradual and balanced reforms.

Second, expanding social protection coverage to include workers in the informal economy, digital platform workers, and all groups currently outside coverage.

Third, accelerating digital transformation by leveraging artificial intelligence and data analytics to develop services, improve compliance, reduce waste and fraud, and elevate service quality for citizens.

Fourth, strengthening Arab cooperation by exchanging expertise and coordinating insurance rights for workers moving between Arab countries, thus supporting the common Arab labor market.

Fifth, investing in institutional capacity building and human resources, emphasizing that successful reform begins with institutions capable of sound management, governance, and efficiency.

Dr. Karki emphasized that countries with strong social protection systems are better equipped to face crises, protect their citizens, and maintain economic and social cohesion. He noted that social security has evolved from merely providing benefits and compensations to becoming a key pillar of national stability, a fundamental driver of economic development, and a cornerstone of social justice.

He called for expanding social protection coverage in the Arab region, describing it as an investment in human capital, a pillar of national stability, a key driver of economic development, and a foundation of social justice. He stated that building fair, inclusive, sustainable social protection systems capable of adapting to changes is essential for a safer future for Arab nations.

Dr. Karki also pointed out that the challenges facing social security institutions today differ fundamentally from those at their inception due to economic, social, and demographic transformations, as well as rapid advancements in information and communication technologies that have created new work patterns not considered when pension systems were established.

He added that since the Sustainable Development Goals have made eradicating poverty, promoting decent work, and reducing inequalities global objectives, social security serves as the practical tool to achieve these goals. Every expansion of social protection is an investment in people, every successful pension reform is an investment in the economy, and every Arab cooperation effort is an investment in future generations.

Dr. Karki highlighted the work of the Arab Social Security Association in keeping pace with developments and challenges facing social security systems and supporting reform programs at all levels, including expanding coverage, financial sustainability, benefit adequacy, smart digitization, governance, and institutional capacity building. He underscored the importance of Arab joint action, knowledge exchange, and expertise integration.

He reaffirmed the association’s commitment to continuing its mission of supporting Arab cooperation, exchanging expertise, encouraging reform, and building partnerships, stressing that social security is not just a compensation system but a trust contract between the state and citizens and a fundamental element of stability and development.

Dr. Karki expressed gratitude to the sisterly Republic of Tunisia, Minister Essam Al-Ahmar, Ibrahim Khalil Ibrahim, and the organizing committee for their warm reception and hospitality. He wished the conference success and hoped its recommendations would translate into practical steps benefiting peoples and institutions.

He concluded his speech with prayers for the protection of Arab homelands and peoples, wishing them security, stability, and prosperity.