Challenges

OIC Member Countries face considerable challenges in delivering comprehensive and effective social security due to limited institutional capacity, divergent systems, and low coverage rates. As of 2020, only 25.1% of the population in OIC countries received at least one social protection benefit—well below the global average of 46.9% (SESRIC, 2023)[1]. Contributory pension coverage among the working-age population and benefit receipt among the elderly also remain severely low. This is further complicated by high poverty rates, demographic shifts, informal employment, and technological disruptions. The lack of coordinated collaboration among Social Security Institutions further curtails concerted responses. To address these challenges and contribute to SDGs 1,3, 8, 10,17, it is essential to strengthen institutional capacities, harmonize policy frameworks, and promote digital transformation. Reflecting the Resolutions of the 39^th Session of the COMCEC, which calls for enhanced intra-OIC cooperation among SSIs, this initiative plays a vital role in advancing these priorities.

[1] SESRIC, 2023. Towards the Achievement of Prioritized Sustainable Development Goals in OIC Countries 2023.

Toward a Solution

The OIC Social Security Institutions Network (OIC-SSINET) was launched to tackle the complex problems faced by Social Security Institutions across OIC Member Countries, including insufficient coverage, organizational inefficiencies, and fragmented cooperation. With only 25.1% of the population in OIC countries receiving at least one social protection benefit in 2020—far below the global average of 46.9%—the necessity for a coordinated, multi-country approach became increasingly clear. OIC-SSINET seeks to enhance institutional collaboration, promote knowledge exchange, and support the development of inclusive and resilient social security systems across the OIC region.

Since 2014, SESRIC has implemented numerous activities under its Social Security Institutions Capacity Building Programme (SSI-CaB) and other initiatives, including training courses, workshops, and webinars on topics such as digitalization, social security statistics, fund management, and coverage extension to informal workers. These activities have been instrumental in the establishment and furtherance of OIC-SSINET.

The Network directly contributes to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). It also reinforces the implementation of the OIC-2025 Programme of Action and adheres to the directives of the 39th Ministerial Session of the COMCEC.

OIC-SSINET’s strategy is grounded in South-South cooperation, harnessing the shared expertise of OIC Member Countries to respond to common challenges. The Network consists of three core bodies: a Bureau (comprising a Chair and Vice-Chair representing the three OIC geographical groups—Africa, Arab, and Asia—,National Focal Points (NFPs) designated by each country, and a Secretariat coordinated by SESRIC. This equitable and geographically representative framework ensures that the perspectives of all Member Countries are integral to the shaping of the Network’s priorities and activities. Furthermore, its mutual learning approach further exemplifies the spirit of South-South cooperation.

The methodology underlines participatory governance, with regular Network meetings to formulate and revise a collaborative work plan. This plan informs the structured implementation of selected initiatives, including capacity-building activities, technical assistance, and the exchange of good practices. The participatory framework of the Network increases ownership among Member Countries and ensures that activities are tailored to their specific needs and contexts.

OIC-SSINET has facilitated cross-country knowledge transfer by enabling SSIs to share good practices, innovative approaches, and lessons learned. For instance, countries that have made significant progress in digitalizing their social security systems provide technical guidance to those in earlier stages of transformation. This peer-to-peer learning model improves institutional and human capacities and advances efforts toward achieving universal social security coverage.

The Network has also contributed to systemic improvements by supporting the development of comparable social security indicators across the OIC region. This facilitates comparative analysis, benchmarking, and evidence-based policymaking. Furthermore, the Network encourages collaboration with national statistical authorities to enhance the quality and availability of social security data, which is critical for monitoring progress toward SDG targets.

OIC-SSINET is innovative in terms of its regional scope and thematic focus, pioneering a dedicated platform for promoting social security cooperation within the OIC region. It strengthens the toolbox of competent authorities in the region to effectively address demographic shifts, technological disruptions, and economic uncertainties.

The initiative builds on SESRIC’s institutional foundation and its long-standing experience managing intra-OIC networks such as OIC-PESNET and OIC-OSHNET, while aligning with key OIC resolutions to foster continuity and long-term impact. The model of rotating leadership, along with the periodic revision of the work plan, maintains ownership, continuity, and long-term relevance. By facilitating structured collaboration among relevant institutions, the Network not only lays the groundwork for future policy convergence and collaboration agreements, but also gradually strengthens bilateral and multilateral ties among counterparts in the long run.

With its structured governance and robust cooperation mechanisms, the Network stands out as a scalable and adaptable model for other regional or thematic networks. Its modular design, clear operational framework, inclusive membership, and digital collaboration tools are the keys to its replicability.

The initiative has highlighted the importance of inclusive participation and regional ownership in ensuring sustainable cooperation. It also underscores the fact that, despite limited resources, with strategic collaboration and exchange of expertise through digital channels, a gradual yet consistent progress in social protection outcomes can be achieved.