The OECD Korea Policy Centre’s Health and Social Policy Programme, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the National Pension Service(NPS), and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP), hosted the 12th Asia-Pacific Public Pension International Training Program from May 11-12 (online), and May 19-22(Seoul and Jeonju) for a total six days.

The program consists of online lectures on the operation of Korea’s National Pension System, a field visit to the National Pension Service headquarters, special lectures by OECD and UN ESCAP, practitioner-led sessions and workshops. Participating countries delivered national presentations to share their own challenges and issues, and based on training experience, developed Action Plans designed to be applied directly to their work.

The delegations included 13 policymakers and practitioners from five countries: Azerbaijan (State Social Protection Fund), India (Employees Provident Fund Organisation), Laos (Laos Social Security Organization), Nepal (Employees Provident Fund), Philippines (Social Security System).

Through both online and in-person sessions, participants broadened their understanding of Korea’s pension system, ICT(AI) applications, and fund management. With expert consultation, they developed actionable strategies addressing key priorities such as expanding contribution bases, strengthening inter-agency information sharing, and improving service delivery through ICT. These outcomes are expected to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of pension systems across the Asia-Pacific region.