Technical Seminar on Digital and Management Innovation in Social Security starts in Doha

Doha has welcomed the opening of the Technical Seminar on "Digital and Management Innovations in Social Security Institutions," marking the start of a two-day event aimed at discussing the latest advancements in social security. Organized by the International Social Security Association (ISSA) in collaboration with its liaison offices for Arab Countries and North Africa, the seminar is being hosted by Qatar's General Retirement and Social Insurance Authority (Daman).

The seminar's opening ceremony featured remarks from Daman's director-general, Jaber Abdullah Al Ansari, who spoke on behalf of the authority's director, Ahmed bin Ali Al Hammadi. Al Ansari highlighted the shared challenges faced by social security institutions, including demographic changes, evolving work patterns, and the need to broaden coverage. He emphasized that modernizing these institutions requires exchanging knowledge and working together.

Al Ansari pointed out that true innovation goes beyond simply digitizing current processes; it involves redesigning them to ensure beneficiaries can access services without visiting offices or waiting in lines. He stressed that the role of technology extends beyond mere conversion to electronic formats, encompassing improved procedures, staff development, robust governance, data protection, and a thorough understanding of beneficiaries' behaviors and needs.

Daman has embraced a strategy centered on trust, transparency, care, and sustainability, backed by digital initiatives such as the virtual assistant Sarah, a video call center, and the Daman application. Al Ansari stressed that successful digital transformation requires developing both the workplace culture and technological tools, and highlighted the importance of learning from global and regional experiences through the ISSA network.

The seminar serves as a platform for international and regional experts to explore how digital and administrative innovations can enhance social security institutions' performance, compliance, and coverage. It also offers a forum for professionals to share practical applications, identify the factors behind successful initiatives, and address the challenges of managing development and maintaining positive outcomes.

Daman's participation in the seminar underscores Qatar's commitment to international cooperation, institutional capability development, and leveraging specialized knowledge to improve social protection and services. This alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030's goals aims to foster human and social development, bolster social security, and enhance the stability of individuals and families.