Initiator & Host, International Symposium on Social Security System
The Motivation of Launching this Initiative
My earlier documentary project revealed deep public anxieties about social security, but I wanted to understand the potential solutions being explored globally. I realized that meaningful reform requires international dialogue. This motivated me to move from identifying problems to facilitating a conversation about answers, by initiating a symposium that would bridge grassroots concerns with expert knowledge.
What did I do?
As the initiator and host, I designed the symposium's theme, recruited participants, and managed the event logistics. I led a global forum that brought together professors and experts from Europe and North America to debate and compare models for a fairer, more sustainable social-security future. My role extended beyond organizing; I moderated discussions, ensuring a productive exchange of diverse, cutting-edge perspectives.
Meeting Agenda
Our Shared Future: A Global Dialogue on Social Security
Theme: Connect, Compare, Co-create: Exploring the Future of Social Security
Format: Online Meeting
Duration: 1 Hour
Part 1: Opening & Ice-breaking (15 minutes)
- Welcome & Opening Remarks (5 min)
- Host's introduction: Sharing the inspiration behind the documentary and key issues to frame the discussion.
- Participant Introductions (5 min)
- Brief self-introduction by each guest (Name and professional background).
- Documentary Highlights (5 min)
- Screening of a curated 10-minute clip showcasing diverse Chinese perspectives on social security.
Part 2: Global Social Security Systems Sharing & Discussion (30 minutes)
- Keynote Sharing (10 min)
- 2-3 pre-selected guests each provide a 3–5-minute overview of a representative social security model (e.g., Germany, USA, Japan), covering history, coverage, funding, and key characteristics.
- Open Q&A and Facilitated Discussion (20 min)
- Moderated discussion with participants. Guiding questions include:
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- What core protections does the social security system in your country provide?
- How do social security contributions impact your current income and life choices?
- What role do you expect public pensions to play in your retirement income?
- Which groups in your country are most satisfied/dissatisfied with the system, and why?
- What are the most praised strengths and most criticized weaknesses of your national system?
- Is coverage universal, or are there groups on the margins?
- How does your country's system balance "equity" and "efficiency"?
- If you could change one aspect of your country's system, what would it be?
- What three key elements should an "ideal social security model for the 22nd century" include?
Part 3: Co-creation & Forward Outlook (5 minutes)
- Summary & Concluding Remarks (5 min)
- Host summarizes key insights and thanks all participants.
- A forward-looking statement on the co-creation of innovative social security solutions.
The Impact
The symposium successfully created a rare platform for cross-continental academic dialogue focused on practical reform models. It challenged my own perspectives and solidified my belief that effective policy must be informed by global best practices.
Participants Introduction
