Paraguay has assumed the presidency of the Ibero-American Social Security Organisation (Organización Iberoamericana de Seguridad Social – OISS) for the 2026 period. This milestone follows the country’s role as host of the XVIII Ibero-American Social Security Congress. After seventeen years, the event returned to Asunción and marked a renewed regional focus on protection systems. Representatives from 22 Ibero-American countries gathered to discuss the future of social security.
A regional summit in the heart of Asunción
The congress was held at the Paseo La Galería Events Centre in Asunción from 1 to 3 December. Government delegations, international bodies, and cooperation agencies attended the gathering. In addition, employers’ organisations, workers’ representatives, academics, and civil society groups participated in the sessions. Together, the attendees explored long-term proposals for strengthening national and regional protection systems.
Meanwhile, the event also commemorated the OISS’s 70th anniversary. On 2 and 3 December, a special meeting entitled “Future Perspectives of Social Security in Ibero-America” took place. The gathering was organised by the OISS with support from Paraguay’s Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security (MTESS). The Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Agencia Española de Cooperación Internacional para el Desarrollo – AECID) also supported the initiative.
Important challenges in a changing world
Throughout the discussions, participants analysed key challenges facing social security systems. Population ageing remains one of the most urgent issues across the region. At the same time, the need for greater labour formalisation continues to demand coordinated solutions. In addition, the spread of artificial intelligence and new forms of work are reshaping employment landscapes.
Environmental transition was also included in the debate. Experts highlighted the importance of linking sustainability with social protection. Therefore, governments were encouraged to strengthen rights-based approaches. These approaches aim to protect vulnerable populations in times of rapid transformation. As a result, the congress became a space for long-term reflection and strategic planning.
Recognition and future commitments
During the event, the “70th Anniversary OISS Award” was formally presented. Moreover, the Ministry of Labour delivered the “Paraguay Formal” awards. These prizes recognised national companies for their contributions to formal employment. Such acknowledgements highlighted successful examples within the Paraguayan labour market. The OISS awarded a special recognition to the Minister of Labour in Paraguay, Mónica Recalde, for her outstanding career. The honour acknowledged her contributions to strengthening social security in Paraguay. The award also highlighted progress in social protection and labour formalisation under her leadership. In addition, the distinction recognised efforts to expand rights and reinforce institutional structures.
During the ceremony, the Minister of Labor, Mónica Recalde, highlighted the strategic value of the organisation. “We assume this commitment with a collaborative approach. The OISS has strengthened technical capacities, promoted training programs, and supported countries in developing their agendas. We will continue to support and enhance these processes to move toward the social security system we aspire to,” she says.
The return of this congress to Paraguay reinforces the country’s strategic role in the Ibero-American social agenda. The occasion also shows a strong commitment to improving public policies that promote welfare.
Read more: Paraguay Records Highest Formal Job Growth In History With 98,000 New Workers.
