Courses

    Provides a framework for understanding and analyzing various types of pension systems and pension reform experiences around the globe, considering legal, economic, financial, institutional, and social aspects. Regions examined in detail will include Eastern and Western Europe, Latin America and East Asia. The course will examine how reforms are developed and implemented to address the challenge of global population aging and the need to alleviate old-age poverty. The course will consider alternative approaches to pension reform design and implementation, best practices and lessons learned from international experiences. Course Outline (1) Pension systems, issues, and terminology; (2) International Financial Institution views on pension reform; (3) Latin America reform experience; (4) Pension economics; (5) Eastern Europen reform experience; (6) Select legal issues in pension reform; (7) Social (non-contributory) pensions; (8) Public sole-provider pension funds (i.e., “provident funds”). Specific country case studies will complement these topics, drawn from Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, and East Asia. Deliverable: A twelve- to fifteen-page paper will be required, examining a policy topic relevant for the course, for instance considering a specific pension reform issue in the context of one or several countries.