SANA’A, Oct. 6 — The Studies and Economic Media Center and the Yemeni Parliament, in cooperation with the Friedrich Ebert Foundation, organized an evaluative symposium for the Military and Security Pension Fund on Saturday.  The event focused on improving the social program.

Civil society organizations, social insurance experts and 80 members of parliament participated and presented evaluative studies to Defense and the Interior Ministries.

Yahia Al-Raie, the head of Parliament, asserted the importance of implementing legislative laws assisting retired military and civil employees.

Doctor Nasher Al-Absi, a consultant for the Public Authority for Social Insurance, said social insurance and pensions are vital for low-income people when they stop working.

Nabeel Shamsan, the Civil Services’ Minister, said the government aims to provide the best services possible for security, military and civil facilities alike.

Several bodies of work were presented at the meeting. The first report, introduced by Doctor Ali Saif, discussed the advantages of investments for the pension funds, but also practical alternatives.  

The second paper, presented by Doctor Fatima Mashhoor, discussed institutional management.  Finally, Doctor Nasher Al-Absi, addressed the concluding report that tackled legal, technical and procedural solutions.

Mustafa Nassr, head of the Studies and Media Economic Center, said the human resources in the army and security forces are the best source for improving the social benefit.

Nassr recognized the importance of making all retired employees financially comfortable and stable, asserting that that all laborers have worked to protect the country.

A number of recommendations came from the symposium, including amending to improve institutional and technical performance.

The symposium-proposed changes are expected to be implemented sooner rather than later at as symposium participants are eager to continue to serve the retired population.