OECD/IOPS Global Forum on Private Pensions

The OECD/IOPS Conference on Private Pensions was held in Istanbul on 7-8 November 2006.  This was a unique event, discussing topics crucial not only for the host country Turkey, but also for countries with developing pension markets in both Europe and the Middle East – and indeed for OECD member states and other countries around the globe.

Turkey kindly offered to host the conference as they work to develop their pensions market – with leading edge developments (such as the use of IT) which all participants can learn from.

The co-organisation of the conference between the OECD and IOPS ensured representation from a range of countries (38 in total), from those with the most sophisticated private pension systems, to those in the initial stages of development. However, all countries are facing the same type of challenges – including raising coverage levels, issues relating to individual account management, the payout-phase of pensions and moving toward risk-based supervision. Such topics were discussed in depth at the meeting, within the context of the OECD’s Principles and Guidelines which provide a unique framework for countries introducing pension reform.

Powerpoint presentations from the meeting and a summary of the conference can accessed via the Global Forum web page.