Over 55 million people worldwide are now benefitting from improved social protection, thanks to the second phase of the International Labour Organization (ILO)'s Global Flagship Programme. The program, running from 2021 to 2025, has significantly expanded social protection coverage, enhancing the adequacy and comprehensiveness of benefits for vulnerable populations.
During the annual Development Partners meeting held in Geneva, government officials, workers' and employers' organizations, and over 1,400 online participants shared their experiences and successes in building robust social protection systems.
The ILO, which has played a central role in the initiative, pointed to key achievements, including the fact that 52.4% of people globally now have access to at least one branch of social protection. While significant progress has been made, the ILO emphasized that 3.8 billion people remain without adequate coverage, highlighting the need for continued global efforts.
Mia Seppo, ILO Assistant Director-General, highlighted that the programme's efforts are paying off, offering healthcare access, retirement security, and crisis support for workers and their families. She added, "We must redouble our efforts to push further towards universal protection for all."
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One of the most notable successes has been the ILO's work with independent workers, with 1 million now enrolled in the social security system in Côte d'Ivoire, illustrating the effectiveness of public policies aimed at broadening coverage.
The programme has already surpassed its goal of achieving 80 institutional changes, with 149 reforms implemented across participating countries. These changes include new social protection laws, improved schemes, and better operational arrangements, helping to move closer to the original target of reaching 60 million beneficiaries by the end of the current phase.
Looking ahead to Phase III (2026–2030), the ILO emphasized that social protection is more than just a safety net—it is a vital investment in inclusive, resilient societies. Partners like Luxembourg are committed to supporting the program's future impact, aiming to accelerate progress towards universal social protection, especially for small businesses and independent workers who are often excluded.
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