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PENSION FUND GOVERNANCE SYMPOSIUM

FOR PRINCIPAL OFFICERS & CHAIRPERSONS


Shaping Pension Fund Governance Through Innovation & Integrity

PROGRAM

Radisson Blu Deira Creek Dubai


26th - 28th February 2024
Dear Delegate,

The importance of well-governed pension funds cannot be over-emphasized. As stewards of the nancial futures
of millions of individuals worldwide, it is incumbent upon us to ensure the highest standards of governance,
transparency, and accountability in managing pension assets. The decisions we make today will directly impact
the quality of life and nancial security of countless retirees tomorrow.

Over three days jam packed days, this symposium will serve as a platform for robust discussions, knowledge
sharing, and strategic insights aimed at addressing the pressing challenges and opportunities in pension fund
governance. Our goal is to empower you, the principal ofcers and chairpersons, with the tools and knowledge
necessary to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of pension fund management.

Key Event Objectives:

Exploring best practices in governance to ensure the long-term sustainability of pension funds and the security
of beneciaries.
Delving into strategies for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks in pension fund investments.
Adapting to evolving economic, regulatory, and technological landscapes while maintaining fund resilience
Discussing the role of ethical and responsible investing in pension funds, aligning investments
with societal values.
Exploring the potential of digital technologies in revolutionizing pension fund administration and member
engagement.
Sharing experiences and insights with fellow principal ofcers and chairpersons to foster a collaborative and
informed community.

This symposium offers you valuable insights, actionable strategies, and meaningful connections. Our hope is
that you leave this event inspired and equipped to lead your pension funds with condence and integrity.

Sincerely,

Premier Knowledge Team


Day 1
08:00 Registration & Welcoming Breakfast

08:30 Chairperson's Opening Remarks


Overview of the conference's objectives and agenda

ECONOMIC OUTLOOK, REGULATORY AND MARKET TRENDS

08:45 Keynote Address: Fostering A Secure And Sustainable Retirement System


· Insights on current state of pension funds and the challenges ahead
· Discussing population dynamics and demographic shifts and the subsequent pressure on pension funds to meet
their obligations while maintaining sustainability
· Unpacking funding shortfalls and adequacy of pension benets for retirees

09:45 Analysis Of The Global And Regional Economic Landscape And Its Impact On Pension Funds
· Discussion of current market trends and potential risks and opportunities.
· Potential impacts on investment strategies, performance, and overall nancial health
· Highlighting importance of ongoing evaluation and stress testing of investment strategies to adapt to changing
economic conditions and market dynamics

10:45 Mid-Morning Break

11:15 Examination Of Technology Transformation And Disruption Trends In The Pension Industry
· Utilizing technology, data analytics, and articial intelligence for portfolio management and improving
retirement income outcomes
· What proactive steps can pension funds take now to embrace opportunities from technology transformation?

12:15 A Regional Review Of Recent Changes In Pension Fund Regulations And Compliance Requirements
· Explanation of how these changes might affect pension fund management and decision-making

Stephen Walker
Actuary -Pension Consultant
Old Mutual South Africa

13:15 Networking Lunch


PENSION FUND GOVERNANCE BEST PRACTICE

14:15 The Leadership Crux! Unpacking The Crucial Role Of Principal Offers In Shaping The Direction,
Decision-Making, And Overall Effectiveness Of The Pension Fund
· Executing a well-dened strategy and ensuring alignment (and buy in) from essential stakeholders
· Setting the tone for the fund's success, resilience, and ability to navigate the complexities of the nancial landscape
while fullling the duciary responsibility to its members

Makwembo Munsaka Simachela


Chairperson Napsa Pesion Trust Scheme
Zambia

15:15 Afternoon Tea

15:30 Championing A Culture Of Continual Learning, Assessment And Evaluating The Performance Of
The Pension Fund Board of Trustees For Continuous Improvement
· Establishing clear and measurable objectives that align with the fund's mission and long term goals
· Developing actionable improvement plans to ensure ongoing adaption and renement of strategies and practices
· Empowering trustees to make informed and prudent decisions through continuous learning

Mr Johan Botha
Employee Benets Specialist
Aon South Africa

16:30 End of Day 1

Day 2
08:00 Morning Refreshments

08:30 Chairperson's Remarks


Recap of Day 1 outcomes and overview of Day 2 objectives and agenda
INVESTMENT STRATEGY AND ASSET ALLOCATION

08:45 Pension Fund Investment Strategies: Growth-Oriented, Income-Focused,


And Risk-Balanced Approaches
· Highlighting and showcasing some successful pension fund investment strategies
· Importance of asset allocation in managing risk and optimizing returns.
· Best practices for diversifying pension fund portfolios across various asset classes

09:45 Exploration Of Alternative Investment Opportunities, Including Private Equity, Real Estate,
Infrastructure, And Hedge Funds.
· Assessment of the benets and challenges of including these alternative assets in pension fund portfolios.
· Examination of the role of pension funds in promoting sustainable and responsible investing practices.

Deresh Lawangee
Ceo-Rise
South Africa

10:45 Mid-morning refreshments

PENSION FUND RISK MANAGEMENT

11:15 Strategies For Mitigating Risks And Safeguarding Pension Fund Assets
· Regularly assess the risks associated with the investment portfolio
· Implement risk management strategies to mitigate identied risks
· Ensuring strong governance practices and thorough due diligence on investment managers and service providers

12:15 Actuarial Methods For Assessing Pension Fund Liabilities And Funding Levels
· Exploring actuarial considerations and liability management
· Discussion on liability-driven investment (LDI) strategies to manage pension fund liabilities more effectively,
reducing the impact of interest rate uctuations on funding levels.

Isgaak Ebrahim Jarodien


Chairperson & Independent Trustee
Easy Umbrella Fund South Africa

13:15 Networking Lunch


RETIREMENT SOLUTIONS AND MEMBER ENGAGEMENT

14:15 Overview Of Annuity Products And Other Post-Retirement Solutions For Pension Fund Members
· Considerations for incorporating these solutions into pension fund offerings

15:15 Afternoon Refreshments

15:30 Strategies For Promoting Retirement Preparedness And Financial Literacy Among Pension
Fund Members.
· Effective communication methods to engage and educate members.
· Developing clear and transparent communication channels with members.
· Providing meaningful and comprehensible pension fund performance reports.

16:30 End of Day 2

Day 3
08:00 Morning Refreshments

08:30 Half Day Workshop

INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP
EFFECTIVE GOVERNANCE AND DECISION MAKING FOR PENSION FUND BOARDS

Effective governance is crucial for pension funds to make prudent investment decisions, manage risks,
and maintain transparency. Ensuring the right expertise on pension fund boards and adopting best governance
practices are ongoing challenges. This workshop is designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of pension
fund board members on effective governance practices and decision-making processes that align with the best
interests of plan participants and beneciaries. It aims to empower board members with the tools and insights
needed to full their duciary responsibilities and drive the success of the pension fund.
This workshop will include interactive discussions and group exercises to engage participants and foster shared learning.
Sessions to be covered include:

Different governance models and structures.


· Best practices in board composition, independence, and diversity.

Overview of duciary duties owed to plan participants and beneciaries, including duty of care, duty of loyalty,
and duty of obedience.

Board Roles and Responsibilities:


· Clarifying the roles and responsibilities of board members, board chairperson, and committee members.
· Balancing oversight and strategic guidance.

Effective Decision-Making Processes:


· Techniques for effective decision-making, including consensus-building and avoiding groupthink.
· Approaches to making strategic decisions for the organization.

Risk Management and Compliance:


· Identifying and managing risks at the board level.
· Understanding compliance requirements and mitigating potential risks.

Board Meetings and Communication:


· Best practices for conducting board meetings, setting agendas, and managing time.
· Improving communication among board members and with management.

Ethical Conduct and Conicts of Interest:


· Ethics in governance: fostering a culture of integrity and accountability.
· Addressing conicts of interest and ensuring transparency.

Board Evaluation and Self-Assessment:


· The importance of regular board evaluations for continuous improvement.
· Methods for conducting effective self-assessment of board performance.

Effective Board-Management Collaboration:


· Strengthening the relationship between the board and management.
· The role of the board in providing oversight and support to management.

Mr Gerson Veundja Kamatuka


Retirement Fund Specialist
Namibia
PENSION FUND GOVERNANCE SYMPOSIUM FOR PRINCIPAL
OFFICERS & CHAIRPERSONS
Radisson Blu Deira Creek Dubai 26th - 28th February 2024

PRICING:

Option 1:
Registration only - $1, 450

Option 2:
with 3 nights accommodation
$2, 150

To Register Contact: 0788474022 tembof@premierknowledge.co.za

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