Advancing prevention priorities and Vision Zero

The ISSA Special Commission on Prevention and the International Sections on Prevention met in Geneva on 3-4 February 2026 to review recent activities, strengthen coordination across prevention networks and set priorities for the 2026-2028 period.

The meeting brought together representatives of the global prevention community of the International Social Security Association (ISSA) to address emerging challenges in occupational safety and health and to advance the Vision Zero approach worldwide.

Reviewing progress and major events

Participants reviewed key outcomes from recent international activities, including the A+A Trade Fair 2025 in Düsseldorf, Germany. The Vision Zero Days were highlighted as an effective platform for promoting prevention solutions and reinforcing the Vision Zero mindset for safe, healthy and sustainable workplaces. The ISSA presence at A+A was also assessed as an important opportunity for outreach and engagement with prevention stakeholders across sectors and regions.

Strengthening prevention sections and regional representation

The 14 ISSA International Prevention Sections updated each other on their plans and activities, including events, publications, research and Vision Zero. A key point was the planned dissolution of the Iron and Metal Industry Section and the introduction of a new Section on Micro and Small Enterprises.

The meeting also examined regional representation within the Special Commission, underlining the importance of balanced geographical participation to ensure that prevention policies and tools respond effectively to diverse regional realities.

Setting priorities for 2026-2028

Members discussed and endorsed the main orientations of the Special Commission's work plan for 2026-2028. Priorities include closer cooperation across prevention networks, innovation in prevention approaches and stronger impact through coordinated action at global and regional levels.

Vision Zero at the centre

Vision Zero featured prominently throughout the meeting. Participants reviewed progress within the Vision Zero framework, explored its integration into broader sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategies, and discussed further development of digital tools, guidance materials and training offers.

These discussions build on recent Vision Zero milestones and ongoing preparations for the World Congress on Safety and Health at Work 2027 in Dakar, Senegal, which the Prevention Sections agreed to support by organizing a Vision Zero Innovation Zone, a Vision Zero Award, a Media Festival and a Symposia

The agenda also addressed establishing working groups on prevention and digitalization, creating a European prevention forum, and communication tools such as the Special Commission's eNewsletter. In parallel with the meeting, the ISSA released a podcast on "The future of prevention and the role of new technologies".

Looking ahead

The work plan of the Special Commission will be further discussed during the upcoming ISSA Forum for Technical Commissions, and the next meeting of the Special Commission will take place on 22 September 2026 in Saskatoon, Canada.

The meeting reaffirmed the ISSA's commitment to advancing prevention and Vision Zero as key pillars of sustainable social security systems and safer, healthier working worldwide. The World Congress on Safety and Health at Work 2027 will be particularly important as it will be the first time it's organized in Africa, in addition Vision Zero will mark its 10 years.