100 years of social pensions The challenge of global poverty and experiences of the social protection system in Sweden Conference October 1-2, 2013 Essinge conference centre, Stockholm ne hundred years ago protection as a human right and Sweden became the first about the role that conditionality Ocountry in the world to might play – have also been faced guarantee an old age pension for all by Sweden over the last hundred citizens. The pension formed one years. In addition, all countries need of the first building blocks in the to take a stand on whether various development of the Swedish social transfers should be universal or protection system. means­tested, what is an accept­ Social protection is currently high able cost and how the system on the global agenda for sustain­ should be financed. able development, with a growing With 100 years of experience to recognition of the role it can play draw on, what lessons can we learn in reducing poverty. A number of from Sweden’s social protection countries in Asia, Africa and Latin system and what challenges does America have successfully imple­ it face today? Beyond this, what mented cash transfers such as child role can social protection play in grants, social pensions and public the global fight against poverty? works. These programmes have had How can development cooperation multiple impacts, from improved catalyse the expansion of social nutrition and health outcomes protection systems? to increased school attendance. The intersection of social protec­ Despite this, only a small propor­ tion, poverty reduction and social tion of the world’s population has development is a popular topic, but access to social protection. The too often conversations focussing UN and many international donors on high income countries are se­ are increasingly exploring ways to parate to those on low and middle support the expansion of social income countries. This conference protection systems. invites researchers, politicians and The questions that developing members of civil society to join a countries face when beginning to conversation that explores global build a system of social protec­ experiences in social development; tion – questions about eligibility from rich and poor nations alike. for different benefits, about social Speakers include Prof. Jimi Adesina, University of Western Cape; Prof. Armando Barrientos, Brooks World Poverty Institute, University of Manchester; Dr. Christina Behrendt, ILO; Bishop Eva Brunne, The Diocese of Stockholm; Michael Cichon, President, International Council on Social Welfare; Director Claire Courteille, International Trade Union Con­ federation; Thomas Hammarberg, former Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights; Secretary to the Directors’ Committee Martin Hutsebaut, European Trade Union Institute; Prof. Olli Kangas, The Social Insurance Institution, Finland; Dr. Stephen Kidd, Development Pathways; Ulf Kristersson, Swedish Minister for Social Security; Prof. Thandika Mkandawire, London School of Economics; Prof. Joakim Palme, Uppsala University; Secretary General Heather Roy, Eurodiaconia; Dr. Magdalena Sepúlveda Carmona, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights; Senior Advisor Dr. Timo Voipio. Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Finland; Prof. Eskil Wadensjö, Stockholm University, and others. Programme The conference will explore the following debates: • The pension reform in 1913 and the experience of the Nordic model • Expanding social protection in developing countries • Challenges faced by the Swedish welfare system • The role of pensions in global development • From deserving poor to a human rights perspective • Targeting vs universality • Strengthening systems: how can global and local stakeholders contribute to improving social protection systems? • Beyond 2015: what role for social protection in the post­MDG debate? Who is it for? The conference aims to bring together a range of experts and policy makers, bridging the public and private sectors as well as civil society. It will provide a unique opportunity for those interested in social protection, in Sweden or internationally, to share experiences and engage in debate. Conference languages are English and Swedish, for which interpretation will be provided. Registration and practical information Register online at www.churchofsweden.org/pension100. There is no attendance fee. Registration closes on the 10th of September 2013. An optional dinner on the 1st of October will cost SEK 500 (EUR 60) Information about hotels can be found at the conference web site. There will be an NGO Day on the 3rd of October. This will provide an opportunity for Swedish and International NGOs to share common experiences and strategies on social protection. For more information please contact [email protected], or see www.churchofsweden.org/pension100 The conference is held in cooperation with: cover: Social protection systems improve people’s health and photo 1: South Africa 2006: Woman receiving her pension. The social contribute to strengthening the purchasing power of people who live pension in South Africa includes more than two million older people in poverty. Hence, it contributes to sustainable development. There and has contributed to signifi cant reduction in poverty. photo: Leila are many parallels between the implementation of the Swedish old Amanpour/HelpAge International. age pension in the early 20th century and the implementation of photo 2: Sweden 1950s: A woman, included in the pension system, social pensions that is taking place around the world today. is harvesting sugar beets. photo: KW Gullers, © Nordiska museet. The photos have been cropped. Church of Sweden International Department Central Church Offi ce, S­ 751 70 UPPSALA Telephone +46 18 16 95 00 E­mail: [email protected] www.churchofsweden.org/pension100 The Church of Sweden is a member of the ACT Alliance, Action by Churches Together. The ACT Alliance is a global community of churches and related organisations working art. no. sk13214 in long-term development, humanitarian assistance and advocacy. production: Ineko.