SSIF Holds 10th Institutional Governance Forum: Toward Effective Representation and Sustainable Investment

The Social Security Investment Fund (SSIF) organized its 10th Institutional Governance Forum under the theme "Toward Strategic Governance that Delivers Sustainable Impact," with the participation of Mr. Omar Malhas, Chairman of the Investment Board, Dr. Ezzeddine Kanakrieh, CEO of the SSIF, and representatives serving on the boards of companies in which the Social Security Corporation holds equity stakes.

In his remarks, Chairman Malhas emphasized that today’s complex investment landscape demands a governance framework that goes beyond regulatory compliance to one that enables strategic foresight, proactive risk management, and value creation. He stated that  SSIF is committed to embedding a forward-looking governance approach that aligns with climate imperatives, promotes high-impact green investments, and positions leadership diversity as a performance driver—not merely a symbolic gesture. He also outlined a future vision for companies to adopt a more agile and inclusive investment model—one that balances returns and risk while placing sustainability at the core of investment decision-making.

SSIF CEO Dr. Ezzeddine Kanakrieh stated that these forums are not merely dialogue platforms but a practical manifestation of an integrated institutional vision aimed at strengthening governance culture, enhancing institutional representation, and building a national investment model grounded in efficiency, accountability, and a balanced approach to financial returns and sustainable development.

Dr. Kanakrieh also underscored the vital role played by SSIF representatives, in coordination with other shareholder representatives, in steering companies’ strategic decisions in ways that serve long-term interests, reinforce shareholder confidence, and protect the rights of minority investors. He noted that the Fund currently has 117 board representatives, of whom 23% are women—reflecting SSIF’s commitment to advancing gender inclusion in leadership, in line with national strategies and the Fund’s institutional governance vision.

The forum hosted expert speakers from the Amman Stock Exchange, the Central Bank of Jordan, and UN Women – Jordan, who contributed to three thematic sessions that reflected global trends in corporate governance. These included climate-related disclosure as a tool for enhancing transparency and building companies’ resilience to environmental risks; the role of boards in directing capital toward green finance as a pillar of sustainable economies; and the impact of women’s participation in leadership on effective governance and ESG outcomes. The sessions reaffirmed that board diversity is not merely a social imperative but a key enabler of performance and balanced decision-making.

This forum is part of SSIF’s broader institutional strategy to institutionalize best-in-class governance practices across its investment portfolio. Through the implementation of a comprehensive governance framework—consisting of an official representation guide, continuous training programs, and periodic performance evaluations—the Fund aims to enhance the strategic role of its representatives, improve corporate performance and resilience, and generate tangible impact for both companies and the national economy.