Employment and Labour hosts Group of 20 Employment Working Group

A joint paper presented by experts before the Group of 20 (G20) Employment Working Group (EWG) meeting says as technologies evolve rapidly, there is significant potential for digitalization to enhance access to and effectiveness of social security systems.

According to the joint International Labour Organization (ILO), International Social Security Association (ISSA) and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) paper digitalization, can also strengthen the effectiveness of social security systems and facilitate the implementation of people-centred and coordinated social security approaches aimed at ensuring income security and supporting activity across an increasingly flexible and diverse life course.

The joint paper titled: Social security and digitilization for an inclusive future work – was presented today during South Africa’s G20 Presidency at G20 EWG meeting.

Raul Ruggia-Frick, an expert from ISSA said digitilization (a dopting of digital technologies to change processes) h as the capacity to reshape social security systems, it is essential to ensure that technological advancements contribute to more inclusive, efficient, and resilient protection for all workers.

Ruggia-Fick urged Governments to use the power of technology in leveraging digitalization for social security.

“Digitalization should support efforts to ensure effective access to adequate social security for workers in all types of employment, including platform workers,” the joint paper said.

Ruggia-Fick highlighted the importance of ensuring data integrity and data protection, “to ensure the trust of the population. Without protection institutions can be compromised. It is crucial for Government(s) and institutions to develop strategies and mechanisms to protect social security systems”.

The paper further said continued progress, a renewed G20 commitment on social security and digitalization is needed beyond 2025.

“Governments and social security institutions should develop digital inclusion initiatives in coordination with other national organizations to reach all population groups.

“With rapid technological advancements reshaping work and social protection, governments must take proactive steps to strengthen and modernize social security systems,” said the paper.

The organisations said discussions in the paper aim to guide policy actions that enable digitalization to serve as a tool for greater inclusion and resilience, while safeguarding fundamental rights.

The paper was delivered during the G20 EWG technical meeting held at the Boardwalk Hotel, Casino & Convention Centre in Gqeberha. The four-day and first meeting of EWG started yesterday and will end on Friday. It is held under the theme:  “Living and Working in an Unequal World: Ensuring Decent Work and Decent Lives” .  

For media inquiries, please contact: 
Teboho Thejane 
Departmental Spokesperson 
Cell: 082 697 0694
E-mail: teboho.thejane@labour.gov.za 

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