The 2025 ITCILO Academy on Social Security once again brought together a dynamic international community of professionals, policymakers, and researchers committed to advancing universal social protection for all. Organized in collaboration with the ILO Department for Universal Social Protection and the International Social Security Association (ISSA), the Academy convened 159 participants from 33 countries for two weeks of immersive learning, dialogue, and innovation. Across 10 plenary sessions, 20 elective courses, and a combined 14,310 learning hours, the Academy reaffirmed its role as a global hub for knowledge exchange and collective action in social protection.

The Academy opened with the plenary “Social protection in a changing world”, featuring Shahra Razavi, Director of the Universal Social Protection Department of the International Labour Organization (ILO), Marcelo Caetano, Secretary-General of the International Social Security Association (ISSA) and by the Centre’s Director, Christophe Perrin. Discussions centred on the transformative role of social protection in achieving equity and resilience amid global uncertainty.

Many participants reflected on how the experience deepened their understanding of social protection as a fundamental right and a shared responsibility. The sessions explored topics such as financing social protection, pension reforms, and resilient system design. Elective courses offered participants the opportunity to delve into areas including developing social protection strategies, extending coverage to informal workers, and leadership in the public sector during uncertain times.

During the second week, attention turned to digital innovation, advocacy, and new financing mechanisms. Sessions such as Harnessing AI for Social Protection, Power of Data: Statistics, Evidence and Monitoring, and Advocacy and Communication illustrated how technology and communication are reshaping the future of social security.

Participants noted how insights can drive influence and lead to meaningful change, while plenary discussions on Preparing Social Protection Systems for Climate Action and Just Transition and Building Social Protection Floors emphasized the connection between environmental sustainability and social justice — a defining issue in today’s policy landscape.

Participants repeatedly emphasized the importance of social dialogue and the value of exchanging experiences with peers from diverse countries. Many highlighted how the Academy fostered collaboration and mutual learning — an atmosphere where ideas were freely shared, and connections formed across regions. One participant from India summed up the collective sentiment with a well-known phrase: Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — the world is one family. The Academy truly embodied that spirit of global solidarity.

“The most important lesson is the value of social dialogue — essential for every policy and reform.” — Participant from Africa

“For me, the plenary sessions were very inspiring because we exchanged so many ideas and experiences with participants from diverse countries.” — Participant from Laos

“This Academy gave us a big opportunity to communicate with people from other countries, to exchange ideas, and to grow together.” — Participant from Jordan

With contributions from experts representing the ILO, UN agencies, academia, and the private sector, the Academy offered a genuinely interdisciplinary experience. Participants described it as a “crossroads of knowledge and experience,” reflecting its dynamic and collaborative approach.

Courses addressed a wide spectrum of themes, including:

• Social health protection and access to affordable care
• Digital and financial governance
• Access to social protection for migrant workers and refugees
• Unemployment protection and climate change
• Coordination of contributory and non-contributory systems

Through these sessions, participants gained practical tools to address global challenges and contribute to advancing social protection for all.

As the Academy concluded with a final session entitled “Bringing it all together: reflections and exchanges”, participants celebrated new partnerships, shared visions, and a renewed commitment to social justice.

The 2025 edition reaffirmed the Academy’s mission: building capacities, fostering collaboration, and inspiring change to keep social protection at the core of inclusive and sustainable development.

The Academy on Social Security is the ITCILO’s flagship programme on social protection, developed in close collaboration with the ILO Department for Universal Social Protection and ISSA. It provides tools and knowledge to design, finance, and manage social security systems that are inclusive, sustainable, and adaptable to future challenges.