Pension Reform and International Organizations: From Conflict to Convergence

Analysis of pension schemes and recommendations for their reform have been one of the main items on the agenda of international organizations in recent years. However, the ideas and recommendations of the various organizationsinvolved in pension policy sometimes vary considerably. This paper will explore and compare the ideas on pension policy held by the International Labour Office, the International Social Security Association, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Although, initially, the discussion of pension reform was characterized by fierce debate with a marked ideological bent, all the participants are now aiming at mutual understanding and, in particular, coordination and cooperation in member States and recipient countries. The previous, dogmatic approach has given way to a predominantly pragmatic position.