Smart social protection systems for the age of artificial intelligence
From June 22-26, 2026, a course on the fundamental of digital governance for social protection will be held at the International Training Centre of the ILO (ITCILO), in Turin, Italy. Please download the brochure listed below for more information.
Overview
Digital transformation is reshaping the way social protection systems are governed, managed, and delivered. Governments are adopting digital tools, automation, and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance efficiency, improve transparency, and extend coverage. Yet, realizing this potential requires more than technology alone: it calls for strategic governance frameworks, inclusive design, and strong leadership for successful adoption.
This training, developed by the ITCILO in collaboration with DCI’s AI Hub for Social Protection and the International Social Security Association (ISSA), aims to equip participants with the skills to responsibly harness AI and other emerging technologies.
By exploring strategies to promote digital inclusion in low-connectivity environments, examining leadership approaches for driving institutional change, and engaging with international practices on automation and algorithmic tools to streamline service delivery, participants will be able to critically assess both the opportunities and risks of digital innovation. They will also be able to apply governance and ethical safeguards and lead the design of digital social protection systems that are not only smarter, but also more equitable, resilient, and ready to cope with the Digital Era.
Throughout the expert-led presentations, practical case-studies, and group discussions, participants will cover a wide range of digital topics including:
- The fundamentals of digital governance and why strong data governance and cybersecurity matter for social protection
- Digital inclusion strategies, with a focus on solutions for low-connectivity environments and populations at risk of digital exclusion
- Leadership skills to successfully manage digital change, foster innovation, and overcome resistance within institutions.
- Use of international frameworks to conduct digital maturity assessments and design governance models that foster the digital adoption in social protection.
- Cutting-edge applications of artificial intelligence for enhanced transparency and a more efficient service delivery.
- Automation, and other data-driven tools in eligibility determination, payments, fraud detection, and real-time monitoring of social protection programmes.
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Establish a step-by-step framework for making informed technological choices in key areas like digital service delivery, data protection, or AI adoption.
- Understand the principles of digital governance and its role in transforming social protection systems.
- Identify strategies for inclusive digital design, particularly for low-connectivity and digitally excluded populations.
- Assess the complexities and challenges associated with the adoption and management of new technologies.
- Apply best practices in data governance, cybersecurity, and interoperability to improve service delivery.
- Leverage international experiences to identify the use cases of emerging technologies such as AI, automation, and real-time monitoring in social protection.
This course consists on an 15-hour online phase, held from June-1-19, 2026, and a 40-hour residential phase held from June 22-26, 2026.
Tuition and subsistence fees are €2,730 in total. Applications are open until May 18, 2026.
