ILO Boosts Social Protection for 55 Million Worldwide
The International Labour Organization has announced that their flagship program, aimed at establishing social protection floors for everyone, has reached a significant landmark. Since 2021, this initiative has extended essential support services to more than 55 million individuals.
The accomplishment was commemorated during the program's yearly Development Partners gathering in Geneva, which saw participation from 55 delegates representing governments, worker organizations, and employer groups, along with more than 1,400 online attendees.
The ILO stated in a release that the Flagship Programme, initiated in 2016, has played a crucial role in enhancing global social protection frameworks. This program has aided in expanding coverage, boosting adequacy, and securing extensive benefits for recipients around the world.
The program's second phase (2021–2025) surpassed expectations significantly, achieving 149 organizational modifications throughout the involved nations—almost twice as many as the original objective of 80.
At the same time, it was pointed out that these modifications encompass new legislation, policy adjustments, and the enlargement of social security programs, which currently shield millions of workers and marginalized groups.
At the gathering, ILO’s Deputy Director-General for Employment and Social Protections, Mia Seppo, highlighted the program's influence while recognizing the remaining challenges.
"For the first time, our World Social Protection Report released in September 2024 indicates that 52.4 percent of the world’s population now has access to at least one form of social protection. This achievement reflects our collaborative endeavors," she stated.
Nevertheless, she emphasized that 3.8 billion individuals still lack coverage and urged for a stronger effort towards global social protection systems.
She highlighted that one of the program's notable achievements is in Côte d'Ivoire, where a government-initiated awareness campaign, backed by the ILO and the World Bank, resulted in one million self-employed individuals joining the country's social security system.
The Minister of Employment and Social Protection for Côte d'Ivoire, Adama Kamara, stated, "This achievement highlights the efficacy of government initiatives and the dedication of development allies in attaining comprehensive social protection."
At the same time, it was observed that the ILO’s Flagship Programme aids SDGs 1.3 and 3.8 through initiatives aimed at achieving universal social protection and health care. This program operates in 50 nations spanning 16 different themes, addressing issues such as informal work arrangements, aging societies, and environmental changes.
"Given one year remaining in its current stage, it is poised to expand social protection coverage to 60 million individuals," the statement read.
The discussions at the Geneva conference also covered Phase III (2026–2030), with the objective of narrowing the social protection gap even further as the 2030 SDG target approaches.
Marc Bichler, Luxembourg’s Ambassador to the UN in Geneva, stated, "Social protection isn’t merely a safeguard; it’s an investment in societies that are steady, all-encompassing, and robust."
In the face of economic instability, environmental shifts, and political strains, the program aims to provide social safety nets for vulnerable populations. By working together and developing new policies, development allies aim to create a more equitable future.
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