International Social Security Association (ISSA) Award

Why in news?

Recently, India has conferred with ISSA Award 2025 for ‘Outstanding Achievement in Social Security’, recognizing Government’s efforts in advancing social protection.

• ISSA Award – This award honors countries that have made groundbreaking achievements in building resilient social security systems.
• This is the highest award presented by the ISSA.
• First introduced in – 2013
• Presented – Once every three years (triennial) at the World Social Security Forum, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
• World Social Security Forum (WSSF) – A premier global gathering of over 1,200 social security policymakers and professionals from 163 countries.
• India is only the fifth country to receive this award since its inception in 2013.

India was chosen as the 2025 recipient for its significant expansion of social security coverage, from 19% in 2015 to 64.3% in 2025, reaching over 940 million people.

• Past Recipients – Brazil in 2013, followed by China in 2016, Rwanda in 2019, and Iceland in 2022.
• Other ISSA awards –
  • ISSA Good Practice Awards – To recognize specific innovations and practices that addressed social security challenges.)
  • ISSA Video Festival and Awards – To showcase member organizations' initiatives to promote social security.

Quick Fact

References

1. PIB | India Conferred with Prestigious ISSA Award 2025
2. ISSA | ISSA Award for achievements in Social Security