‘What comes into your head when you think about the future of social security?’ – a series of social security dialogues begins
The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health and the Timeout Foundation are hosting a series of 25 Timeout dialogues to discuss the future of social security. The aim is to increase public debate on social security, strengthen dialogue between various parties, increase citizens’ participation in the social security reform, and produce information to support decision-making.
The dialogues are part of the national social security reform. Population ageing and declining birth rates are putting pressure on the financing of social security in Finland. Finland’s social security system is strong compared to other countries, but it was built during a time when society was different. This is why the system needs to be reformed to better meet future needs.
‘The Parliamentary Social Security Committee has a mandate to ensure the future of social security. All parliamentary parties and various experts are involved to agree on a common vision. The public’s experiences provide important intelligence,’ says Liisa Siika-aho, Director General of the Department for Insurance and Social Security at the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, who heads the social security reform.
Discussions on the future of social security to be held all over Finland
The first social security dialogue is taking place on 10 December 2024 in Helsinki. Various event organisers will be hosting discussions in three languages across Finland over a four-month period. The panellists are regular working-age people with varying experiences of social security. Social security professionals will also attend the discussions. The aim is to reach a wide range of audiences, especially young adults.
The discussions will focus on what kind of social security system would best meet future challenges and needs. How do we ensure that the system works and is fair and sustainable also in the future? What is the most important function of social security and which of the principles of the current system should be retained in the future?
Building a more constructive discussion culture in Finland
The mission of the Timeout Foundation is to work together with other interested parties to move the discussion culture in Finland in a more constructive direction, reduce social divisions, and increase people’s participation in society.
‘Feedback from people who have taken part in Timeout discussions is typically extremely positive, as Timeout is not about winning, arguing or bickering. The discussions are an opportunity to have a careful think and learn from the experiences and perspectives of others,’ explains Laura Arikka, Executive Director of the Timeout Foundation.
Reform to streamline and simplify the social security system and introduce more incentives for work
Actions promoting social security reform during the current parliamentary term include government projects and the work of the Parliamentary Social Security Committee. The Government’s social security projects focus on reforming basic income security by introducing a general social security benefit as well as rethinking social assistance and the general housing allowance.
The task of the Social Security Committee is to outline the principles for the future of social security and make proposals on how to reform the system. The Social Security Committee includes a Member of Parliament from each parliamentary group as well as permanent experts.
Enquiries
Sara Mäkäräinen, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, tel. +358 (0)29 516 3168, [email protected]
Laura Arikka, Executive Director, Timeout Foundation, tel. +358 (0)44 579 2686, [email protected]