The ISSA Focal Point for Portuguese-speaking Countries is key for sharing knowledge and establishing technical cooperation between countries where Portuguese is an official language. It coordinates a programme of activities designed to satisfy the specific needs and priorities of the social security organizations of these countries.

The global Portuguese-speaking community comprises about 223 million people in nine countries, located in four different continents. In recent decades, Portuguese-speaking countries have experienced great advances in social and economic development. Expanding and strengthening social security is part of this development, and Portuguese-speaking countries have increasingly strengthened their cooperation in this area.

The social security systems of these countries are in different stages of development, and the benefits provided do not always comprise the nine branches of social security as defined by the ILO Social Security (Minimum Standards) Convention, 1952 (No. 102). Nevertheless, their shared history and common language create a unique opportunity to network, share experiences and establish bonds of community and solidarity. Portuguese-speaking countries also have a multilateral social security agreement, which applies to invalidity, survivors and old age pensions.