Chief Operating Officer of Maldives Pension Administration Office (MPAO) Mariyam Shiuna has stressed that effective governance is key to ensuring sustainable and reliable social security systems.
She made the statement while speaking at the opening ceremony of International Social Security Association, ISSA’s technical seminar.
In her remarks, Shiuna said decisions made by social security institutions today can affect future generations, including those not yet born. The topics to be discussed at the seminar include governance, strategic planning, increasing participation in pension schemes, and strengthening institutional management. These are necessary to improve service quality and ensure sustainability, she said.
Speaking on MPAO’s mandate, Shiuna said the social security systems, including pension schemes, must remain stable and legally grounded, regardless of government or policy changes. A strong culture of accountability and openness is critical for trust and effective management, she noted.
Shiuna said the event provides a platform to share regional experiences and explore solutions to common challenges. Key regional challenges discussed include ageing populations, labour market changes as well as economic instability. The seminar includes policymakers and experts from 13 social security institutions across Asia.