Doha: The State of Qatar chaired the 23rd meeting of the Committee of Heads of Civil Retirement and Social Insurance Agencies in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries on Wednesday. The meeting, led by HE Director General of the General Retirement and Social Insurance Authority Ahmed bin Ali Al Hammadi, focused on various critical issues, including the follow-up report on the committee’s action plan, the implementation of the unified system for extending insurance protection, work governance of technical committees, and proposals from member states and the General Secretariat.
According to Qatar News Agency, HE Ahmed bin Ali Al Hammadi emphasized the importance of the meeting as an opportunity to exchange knowledge and expertise in retirement and social insurance. He highlighted the need for enhanced cooperation among GCC states to achieve social security and economic stability for citizens. Al Hammadi also underscored the challenges faced by civil retirement and social insurance systems, such as demog
raphic changes, and the necessity for innovative solutions aligned with global best practices.
HE head of the human and environmental affairs sector at the GCC Secretariate General, Eng. Abdullah bin Ali Al Rubaie, praised the efforts to advance the sector and the collaboration among GCC states to support joint actions. The meeting also honored pioneering figures in civil retirement and social insurance, with HE Minister of Finance Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari recognizing their contributions to the sector.
Minister Al Kuwari stressed the importance of hosting such meetings to solidify GCC states’ efforts in ensuring the sustainability of retirement systems. He highlighted the role of cooperation and coordination in fostering innovation, particularly through research projects supported by the Pension Funds and Investment Insurance Award.
The Committee of Heads of Civil Retirement and Social Insurance Agencies in the GCC was established to foster cooperation and expertise-sharing among member states. Since 2001,
it has convened annually to optimize pension systems and ensure social protection for GCC citizens.