Doha:The Technical Seminar on "Digital and Management Innovations in Social Security Institutions" began on Tuesday in Doha.

According to Qatar News Agency, the event is organized by the International Social Security Association (ISSA) along with the ISSA Liaison Office for Arab Countries and is supported by the ISSA Liaison Office for North Africa. The General Retirement and Social Insurance Authority (Daman) is hosting the two-day seminar.

Daman's head of retirement affairs, Jaber Abdullah Al Ansari, delivered opening remarks on behalf of Ahmed bin Ali Al Hammadi, Daman Director-General. Marcelo Abi-Ramia Caetano, ISSA Secretary-General, also addressed the attendees. Al Ansari highlighted the shared challenges faced by social security institutions, such as demographic changes and evolving work patterns, emphasizing the importance of expertise exchange and coordinated efforts.

He pointed out that innovation should go beyond digitizing existing processes, aiming to redesign them to eliminate unnecessary visits and waiting times for beneficiaries. Effective use of technology requires enhanced procedures, staff development, governance, data protection, and an understanding of beneficiaries' needs.

Daman's strategic focus on trust, transparency, care, and sustainability includes digital initiatives like the virtual assistant Sarah, a video call center, and the Daman application. Al Ansari stressed that successful digital transformation depends on workplace culture development as much as on technology.

The seminar serves as a platform for international and regional professionals to discuss improvements in performance, compliance, and coverage through digital and administrative innovation. It also addresses practical applications, the factors behind successful initiatives, and development management challenges.

Daman's involvement in the seminar aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030, which emphasizes human and social development and improving social protection services.