14 December, the Secretary-General of the International Social Security Association (ISSA) Mr. Hans-Horst Konkolewsky paid a visit to the Union for Mental Health of Russia office within the framework of preparation of the II Congress on Mental Health: Meeting the Needs of the XXI Century.

Elected in 2005, Mr. Konkolewsky heads an extensive programme of activities focused on strengthening the governance, performance and service quality of social security administration, and including the production of international Guidelines, training and support services, research and development, and a calendar of international conferences and seminars in all world regions. The Secretary General has developed the ISSA’s strategy around the concept of Dynamic Social Security and excellence in social security administration, culminating in the launch of the ISSA Centre for Excellence in Social Security Administration, in 2013. Mr Konkolewsky pioneered the World Social Security Forum, the ISSA flagship event for social security policy-makers and professionals, which has met every three years since 2007.
Mr Konkolewsky manages the ISSA’s external relations with other international organizations involved with social protection and economic development, including the International Labour Organization, the World Bank Group, the OECD, the European Commission and the World Economic Forum.

About the II Congress on Mental Health: Meeting the Needs of the XXI Century:

The II Congress on Mental Health: Meeting the Needs of the XXI Century follows the success and continues the traditions of the I Congress on Mental Health that resulted in delivering 11 scientific events, 165 scientific reports, publication of the Collection of scientific papers from different areas of scientific knowledge in the mental health fields and development of the Declaration. 700 experts representing 33 countries introduced their commitment and priority tasks in the field of protection of people’s mental health.

The theme of the II Congress is “Mental Health and Education”. No doubt that education occupies a special place in solving especially complex problems of an ever-changing world, with the preservation of mental health of each individual and humanity at the forefront. Education is the driving force, which promotes the development of spiritual forces, abilities and skills that enable a person to cope with the normal stresses of life; forms qualities that help in adapting to the dynamic nature of the ever-changing world; provides opportunities for personal and professional growth. Therefore, the II Congress will focus on the development of an educational environment favorable to maintaining mental health and well-being.

More information on the II Congress: www.mental-health-congress.ru/en/