Global Fund for Social Protection: Social security for all

For years, social experts have proposed the establishment of a Global Fund for Social Protection – an international institution to help low-income countries develop the capacity to finance a minimum level of social protection for their population. The debate is now gaining momentum.

Amid the Covid-19 crisis, the proposal for a Global Fund for Social Protection has recently been taken up by a major international actor for the first time: in September 2020, the French government teamed up with the UN Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights to stage a High-Level Expert Meeting on the “Establishment of a Global Fund – Social Protection for All”.

It is highly likely that creating such an institution will also be among the topics discussed by the G20 – the group of leading industrialised and emerging economies – and the UN Human Rights Council this year. The aim is to overcome financing problems that a number of low-income countries face in trying to provide a minimum level of social security for their population. That includes achieving basic income security and access to essential health care.

Each country ultimately needs to provide social protection from its own resources, of course – for example through fiscal budgets or social insurance systems. Due to economic difficulties, however, some countries are simply not in a position to do so – at least not in the short or medium term.

Present support

The international community already provides the governments of those countries with technical support for creating the administrative structures required for social protection systems. What is often lacking, however, are the means to ensure stable funding for programmes. People living in the poorest countries of the world cannot wait for sufficient domestic resources to be mobilised. They need protection now.

Even before the Covid-19 crisis, the International Labour Organization (ILO) flagged up the size of the gaps that still exist in social protection worldwide (ILO, 2017). More than two thirds of the world population (about 5.2 billion people) have limited or no access to basic social protection. The pandemic has now made it abundantly clear how important it is for countries to have functioning and solidly financed social protection systems. Lockdown measures, for example, have deprived many people of their livelihood. Even though social protection has been strengthened in many countries over the past year and a number of new protection mechanisms have been developed, the measures taken are mostly temporary.

A Global Fund for Social Protection could help low-income countries develop a long-term capacity to finance social protection programmes for their populations and thus prevent the further spread of extreme poverty.

Mandate and organisational structures

It is still unclear how likely it is that such a fund actually will be established in the foreseeable future – and if it is established, what its specific assignments will be. A number of suggestions are contained in a recent call for the establishment of such a fund by the international civil society alliance Global Coalition for Social Protection Floors ­(GCSPF). Its core task, according to the GCSPF, should be to co-finance basic social protection systems – on a transitional basis – for low-income countries that lack sufficient tax revenue and for countries in crisis (e.g. due to natural disasters or economic crises) that temporarily lack the capacity to fund such systems.

The GCSPF proposal envisages a mandate for the fund that would also include action to improve domestic resource mobilisation. The organisations that have signed the call believe it is important that the fund’s activities should be in line with the ILO Social Protection Floors Recommendation, which makes clear that social protection needs to be financed as a matter of principle from national resources. International aid can therefore only ever be an interim solution. The ILO recommendation also sets out a number of additional and equally important principles, including universality of protection and a rights-based approach.

Organisational aspects also need to be clarified. Among other things, for example, the question of where the new fund could be positioned in the institutional architecture of global social policy needs to be answered. One conceivable option would be a financing mechanism closely linked to the ILO and the World Health Organization (WHO), which are responsible for social protection and health-care issues within the UN. Another variant could be a fund established alongside the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) or under the umbrella of the Universal Social Protection 2030 Partnership (USP 2030), a global alliance of governmental and non-governmental organisations.

The composition and operation of the fund’s decision-making bodies would need to be in line with the human rights-based approach and the Global Partnership for Effective Development Co-operation (GPEDC) guidelines. The GPEDC calls for principles such as country ownership, inclusive partnerships, transparency and accountability as well as adequate participation of civil society.

New global initiatives needed

Many details of a new global fund are thus still under discussion. But there is no doubt about the urgent need for action. The global community still has a long way to go to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 1.3 (implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, including floors, and by 2030 achieve substantial coverage of the poor and vulnerable).

A financing and coordination mechanism at the global level could be an option to bundle international donors’ present efforts to help low-income countries develop stable social protection systems and thus make those efforts significantly much more effective. At the same time, a new institution of this kind would motivate donors to increase their financial support in this area. And this is indeed urgently needed.

Links

Global Coalition for Social Protection Floors, 2020: Civil Society Call for a Global Fund for Social Protection to respond to the COVID-19 crisis and to build a better future.
https://www.socialprotectionfloorscoalition.org/civil-society-call/

De Schutter, O., and Sepúlveda, M., 2012: Underwriting the poor. A Global Fund for Social Protection.
https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/20121009_GFSP_en.pdf

Oxfam International, 2020: Shelter from the storm. The global need for universal social protection in times of COVID-19.
https://www.oxfam.de/system/files/documents/bp-social-protection-covid-19-151220-en_embargoed.pdf

By Markus Kaltenborn, Laura Kreft

Markus Kaltenborn is professor of public law and director of the Institute for Development Research and Development Policy (IEE) at the Ruhr University in Bochum, Germany, and a member of the Global Coalition for Social Protection Floors. markus.kaltenborn@ruhr-uni-bochum.de

Laura Kreft is a junior lawyer and research assistant at the Faculty of Law at the Ruhr University in Bochum. laura.kreft@ruhr-uni-bochum.de

Source: D+C Development and Cooperation. April 2021. (PDF format)

The video of the virtual event “International Solidarity to Support a Robust and Inclusive Recovery - A Global Social Protection Fund” is now online.

The virtual event, co-organized by the Global Coalition for Social Protection Floors (GCSPF) and the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), was held in the framework of the Spring Civil Society Policy Forum of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. The event took place on Thursday 25 March 2021.

International solidarity to support a robust and inclusive global economic recovery: the case for a global social protection fund
Languages: EnglishSpanishFrench.

Speakers

Cathy Feingold, International Director of the AFL-CIO and Deputy President of the International Trade Union Confederation

Olivier de Schutter, UN Special Rapporteur for Extreme Poverty and Human Rights

Omar Faruk Osman, Secretary General of the Federation of Somali Trade Unions

Yolande Wright, Head of Child Poverty at Save the Children

Didier Jacobs, Senior Advisor at Oxfam. His presentation is available here.

Michal Rutkowski, Global Director for Social Protection and Jobs at the World Bank

The devastating loss of jobs and livelihoods during COVID-19 has reaffirmed the importance of universal social protection, an agreed objective before the crisis.  There is limited capacity for low income countries to respond to the social and economic consequences of COVID-19 because of underdeveloped social protection systems and limited revenue. Greater international solidarity in the financing of social protection could support low-income countries to close the gaps. The UN Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights is calling for the establishment of a global social protection fund. This panel discusses the proposal and the potential role for the IMF and World Bank.

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“Solidaridad internacional en apoyo a una recuperación robusta e inclusiva
Un Fondo Mundial para la Protección Social”
     

El video del evento virtual “Solidaridad internacional en apoyo a una recuperación robusta e inclusiva Un Fondo Mundial para la Protección Social” se encuentra ahora disponible aquí.

El evento, coorganizado por la Coalición Global por los Pisos de Protección Social y la Confederación Sindical Internacional, se realizó en el Foro de Políticas Relativas a la Sociedad Civil, en el marco de las Reuniones de Primavera del Banco Mundial y el Fondo Monetario Internacional. El evento se realizó el Jueves 25 de marzo de 2021.

Participaron:

Cathy Feingold, Directora Internacional de la AFL-CIO y Presidenta Adjunta de la Confederación Sindical Internacional

Olivier de Schutter, Relator Especial de la ONU sobre la extrema pobreza y los derechos humanos

Omar Faruk Osman, Secretario General de la Federation of Somali Trade Unions

Yolande Wright, Directora sobre reducción de la pobreza infantil en Save the Children

Didier Jacobs, Asesor Senior de Oxfam. Su presentación se encuentra disponible aquí.

Michal Rutkowski, Director del Departamento de Prácticas Mundiales de Protección Social y Trabajo del Banco Mundial

La devastadora pérdida de empleos y medios de subsistencia durante la COVID-19 ha reafirmado la importancia de una protección social universal, objetivo ya acordado antes de la crisis. Los países de ingresos bajos cuentan con una capacidad limitada para responder a las consecuencias sociales y económicas de la COVID-19, al disponer de sistemas de protección social poco desarrollados e ingresos limitados. Una mayor solidaridad internacional en la financiación de la protección social podría contribuir a ayudar a estos países a cerrar la brecha. El Relator Especial de la ONU sobre la extrema pobreza y los derechos humanos ha pedido el establecimiento de un fondo mundial para la protección social. Esta mesa redonda discutirá las propuestas y el posible papel del FMI y el Banco Mundial.

The Global Coalition for Social Protection Floors (GCSPF), in partnership with the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), is pleased to invite you to the event “International Solidarity to Support a Robust and Inclusive Recovery - A Global Social Protection Fund” that will be held in the framework of the Spring Civil Society Policy Forum of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. The event will take place on Thursday 25 March 2021, 10:00 – 11:30 hs (Washington D.C. time).

Featuring

Cathy Feingold, International Director of the AFL-CIO and Deputy President of the International Trade Union Confederation

Olivier de Schutter, UN Special Rapporteur for Extreme Poverty and Human Rights

Omar Faruk Osman, Secretary General of the Federation of Somali Trade Unions

Yolande Wright, Head of Child Poverty at Save the Children

Didier Jacobs, Senior Advisor at Oxfam

Michal Rutkowski, Global Director for Social Protection and Jobs at the World Bank

The devastating loss of jobs and livelihoods during COVID-19 has reaffirmed the importance of universal social protection, an agreed objective before the crisis.  There is limited capacity for low income countries to respond to the social and economic consequences of COVID-19 because of underdeveloped social protection systems and limited revenue. Greater international solidarity in the financing of social protection could support low-income countries to close the gaps. The UN Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights is calling for the establishment of a global social protection fund. This panel discusses the proposal and the potential role for the IMF and World Bank.

You may livestream the event here.

Interpretation in Spanish and French is accessible via the Civil Society Policy Forum livestream here.

To register for the Civil Society Policy Forum so you can ask questions during the panel, please click here by 22 March.

The full schedule of the Policy Forum is available here.

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“Solidaridad internacional en apoyo a una recuperación robusta e inclusiva
Un Fondo Mundial para la Protección Social”
     

La Coalición Global por los Pisos de Protección Social, en asociación con la Confederación Sindical Internacional, se complace en invitarles al evento “Solidaridad internacional en apoyo a una recuperación robusta e inclusiva Un Fondo Mundial para la Protección Social” que tendrá lugar durante el Foro de Políticas Relativas a la Sociedad Civil, en el marco de las Reuniones de Primavera del Banco Mundial y el Fondo Monetario Internacional

El evento tendrá lugar el Jueves 25 de marzo de 2021 de 10:00 a 11:30 AM (hora de Washington D.C.).

Puede acceder al evento mediante streaming en directo aquí. El evento se desarrollará en inglés y se facilitará interpretación en francés y español aquí.

Participarán:

Cathy Feingold, Directora Internacional de la AFL-CIO y Presidenta Adjunta de la Confederación Sindical Internacional

Olivier de Schutter, Relator Especial de la ONU sobre la extrema pobreza y los derechos humanos

Omar Faruk Osman, Secretario General de la Federation of Somali Trade Unions

Yolande Wright, Directora sobre reducción de la pobreza infantil en Save the Children

Didier Jacobs, Asesor Senior de Oxfam

Michal Rutkowski, Director del Departamento de Prácticas Mundiales de Protección Social y Trabajo del Banco Mundial

La devastadora pérdida de empleos y medios de subsistencia durante la COVID-19 ha reafirmado la importancia de una protección social universal, objetivo ya acordado antes de la crisis. Los países de ingresos bajos cuentan con una capacidad limitada para responder a las consecuencias sociales y económicas de la COVID-19, al disponer de sistemas de protección social poco desarrollados e ingresos limitados. Una mayor solidaridad internacional en la financiación de la protección social podría contribuir a ayudar a estos países a cerrar la brecha. El Relator Especial de la ONU sobre la extrema pobreza y los derechos humanos ha pedido el establecimiento de un fondo mundial para la protección social. Esta mesa redonda discutirá las propuestas y el posible papel del FMI y el Banco Mundial.

e-GCSPF # 50 - March 2021
   
 

Event at the CSocD59: Building Roofs and Raising Floors Through Inclusive Digital Technologies and A Global Fund for Social Protection

   
 

The video and the notes of the virtual side event “Building Roofs and Raising Floors Through Inclusive Digital Technologies and A Global Fund for Social Protection”, co-organized by the Global Coalition for Social Protection Floors (GCSPF) and Global Call to Action Against Poverty (GCAP), are now online.

High level speakers from Governments, United Nations, civil society and academia tackled the diverse and interconnecting perspectives on social protection and homelessness, how digital technology can extend social protection floors to those who are living without roofs and the value and urgency of the Global Fund for Social Protection to deliver to all the right to social protection. The side event took place at the UN Commission for Social Development 2021 (CSocD59) and was held on Friday 12 February, 2021. Read more.

   
   
 

Event “International Solidarity to Support a Robust and Inclusive Recovery – A Global Social Protection Fund”

   
 

The Global Coalition for Social Protection Floors, in partnership with the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), is pleased to invite you to the event “International Solidarity to Support a Robust and Inclusive Recovery – A Global Social Protection Fund” that will be held in the framework of the Spring Civil Society Policy Forum of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. The event will take place on Thursday 25 March 2021, 10:00 – 11:30 hs (Washington D.C. time). Read more

   
   
 

Global Fund for Social Protection: Advocacy Letter to the G20

   
 

The Global Coalition for Social Protection Floors calls on the G20 to launch an initiative to establish a Global Fund for Social Protection. This year’s G20 is a critical opportunity for the world’s largest economies to come together and coordinate a response to overcome the consequences of the pandemic as such an act of international solidarity would unite the world on the path towards an equitable recovery from this pandemic. An advocacy letter was sent to members of the Employment Working Group that had two meetings in February. The letter calls for a Global Fund for Social Protection that would provide technical assistance for governments to offer a set of benefits that would guarantee a minimum income security for all over the life cycle. Read more

   
   
 

ITUC Campaign - A global social protection fund is possible

   
 

The Covid-19 pandemic has brutally exposed the fault lines of the global divide between those that have universal social protection, including health and income support, and those that don’t.
The world could fund the establishment of social protection systems or help bridge funding gaps with a clear path for sustainability.
The ITUC supports the idea of a global fund for social protection, which could help to bridge financing gaps for social protection for the world’s poorest countries, who lack sufficient fiscal space to build up social protection floors in the short-term on their own. It could also be accompanied by technical support to support States build up their capacity to finance social protection over the medium-long term. Financing a Global Social Protection Fund is an act of solidarity that can be realised. Read more

   
   
 

The vaccine against poverty, inequality and insecurity needs a stronger prescription

   
 

The blog by Michael Cichon highlights that “the COVID crisis is an opportunity to make the recognition of the role of social protection more permanent, and there is an almost unique opportunity to achieve this. This June it will be 10 years since the ILO’s 100th International Labour Conference (ILC) held a general discussion on social security. Still, under the dark shadow of the Global Financial Crisis, the 100th ILC in 2011 decided to request the ILO to develop a Recommendation on Social Protection Floors (SPFs). Just a year later Recommendation R. 202 concerning national floors of social protection was unanimously adopted by tripartite delegations from all 187 ILO member states (except for Panama, who abstained). The concept of the social protection floor originated from the work of a Joint UN Crisis Initiative that the ILO and WHO co-chaired since 2009. This June, the 110th ILC will review the ILO’s work on social protection in another general discussion. This is the time when the international community should commission the development of a stronger instrument of international law on universal social protection.” Read more

   
   
 

COVID-19 and the world of work

   
 

Unprecedented global working-hour losses in 2020. In terms of the pandemic’s overall impact in 2020, the new ILO annual estimates confirm that it caused massive disruptions in the world of work. In 2020, 8.8 per cent of global working hours were lost relative to the fourth quarter of 2019, equivalent to 255 million full-time jobs (assuming a 48 hour working week). These losses were global and unprecedented.
While the disruption was global, there was substantial variation between regions. The labour market disruption in 2020 far exceeded the impact of the global financial crisis of 2009. The effect of the COVID-19 shock on global working hours has therefore been approximately four times greater than that of the global financial crisis. Read more

   
   

JOIN US TO ACHIEVE SOCIAL PROTECTION FOR ALL

GLOBAL COALITION FOR SOCIAL PROTECTION FLOORS - GCSPF

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Ana Zeballos spoke on behalf of the GCSPF at the Civil Society Meeting “Financing for Development in the Era of COVID-19 and Beyond”, Cluster 2: socio-economic response: social protection, gender, youth, health, education, and human rights. The consultation with NGOs and Civil Society Organizations was held under the auspices of the International Labour Organization and coorganized by the NGO Committee on Financing for Development and the Global Call to Action Against Poverty (GCAP). The event was held on 11 March 2021.

The concept note and programme of the event are here. Ms. Zeballos highlighted the need for the establishment of a Global Fund for Social Protection, and notes of her intervention are below and the PDF version is available here. Members of the Global Coalition also participated at the High-level meeting.

The final report is here.

Background

One year has passed since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the world is still struggling to curtail the health crisis alongside a growing socio-economic crisis. The impact on the health, livelihood, and well-being of people around the world has been dramatic. Even prior to COVID-19, many countries were struggling to cope with growing debt burdens and limited fiscal space to finance the SDGs. National budgets are strained, forcing policy makers to take tough decisions on financing public health or providing stimulus to offset the social and economic pressures. Efforts such as the Debt Service Suspension Initiative helped many countries slow the downward spiral but were just small steps and did not solve the problem. Much more far-reaching efforts are needed to meet the magnitude and scale of the crisis.

Recognizing the urgency to develop a coordinated response to enable ambitious financing solutions, the Prime Ministers of Canada and Jamaica along with the UN Secretary General launched an Initiative in May 2020 on Financing for Development in the Era of COVID-19 and Beyond. Various stakeholders were invited to contribute to six open-ended discussion groups, which ultimately led to a comprehensive menu of policy options. The policies aim to address the current emergency and to promote a swift and sustainable recovery that will pave the way for a more inclusive, resilient development paradigm. Ministers of Finance reviewed the recommendations, which were subsequently welcomed by Heads of State and Government during the UN General Assembly in September 2020.

The overarching objective of this process is to identify concrete, ambitious and actionable recommendations for financing a socioeconomic recovery based on the Menu of Options (or if needed beyond). A work plan has been established for Cluster 2, organized around three main themes: 1) Global Standards and Norms which aims to commit governments to align national frameworks with human labour rights; 2) Alignment of national spending, planning and implementation to promote socio-economic impact investing in areas such as decent work, SMEs, social protection, universal health coverage, gender, youth and education; and 3) Enabling environment and private sector engagement aimed at promoting innovative finance instruments aligned with the SDGs and national priorities and developed through social dialogue.

To ensure the exercise benefits from a broad set of expertise and captures a range of considerations and priorities, a number of stakeholder consultations are planned. The consultations are expected to support FfD policy implementation and identify actions needed at both global and country levels that are aligned with the Cluster 2 ambitions. The outcome of the consultations will be compiled and incorporated into the final set of recommendations that will be presented during a High-Level UN meeting expected to take place during the General Assembly in September 2021.

Financing for development in the era of COVID-19 and beyond
Cluster 2: socio-economic response: social protection, gender, youth, health, education, and human rights

Consultation with Stakeholders
11 March, 2021; 8:00– 10:15 am EST

Universal Social Protection

Contribution by Ana Zeballos, Coordinator, Global Coalition for Social Protection Floors (GCSPF)1

Thank you very much for the opportunity to contribute to this discussion. I am really pleased to speak on behalf of the Global Coalition for Social Protection Floors (GCSPF). We are a global network of civil society organizations, trade unions and think tanks committed to the realisation of ILO-Recommendation 202 on social protection floors.

We are calling for the implementation of the four Essential Elements of the ILO Recommendation 202, and the establishment of a Global Fund for Social Protection2 as a key strategy to make this happen.

Social protection is a universal human right that reduces and prevents poverty during the life cycle, demonstrated to have a direct and positive impact on health, food security, and inequality. It is therefore an important instrument to distribute wealth and to realise gender equality as well as to achieve more inclusive and socially cohesive societies, a key purpose of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals.

The COVID-19 pandemic is showing us the urgency for universal social protection systems to protect people, and in particular the most vulnerable. While countries may have expanded social protection programmes on a short term basis many people are still falling through the net, among them undocumented informal workers, migrants, homeless, refugees.

Even though high income countries have put in place social protection responses these measures are very uneven between countries and in many cases, merely temporary.

An Oxfam study of emergency responses between April and September 2020 in 126 low and middle income countries shows that:

  • In 81% of the countries, emergency responses cover less than half their population.
  • In 29% of the countries, fewer than one in 10 people have been protected as workers in the informal sector.
  • Benefits provided to families are short-lived and too low to pay even for basic needs.
  • In low- and middle-income countries average investment has been just 0.46% of GDP, with only two of these countries reaching 2% (“Shelter from the storm”, Oxfam).
  • Most programmes recently set up are not long term
  • 2.7 billion people still have absolutely no access to social protection
  • The financing gap for low-income countries is about 78 billion USD, about half of total official development assistance provided in 2019 by OECD countries

The Corona crisis urges strengthened international solidarity, global cooperation and pooled funding to ensure investment in and development of inexistent or underdeveloped social protection systems in low-income countries, underpinned by strengthened tax capacity and international regulation to reduce tax evasion and avoidance.

There is political momentum for a Global Fund to support countries with financial and other resources - according to the financial capacity of states and disbursed according to social needs. Excellent financial management, transparency and accountability of the Fund, together with effective engagement of social partners, civil society organisations is essential. Decisions regarding design and implementation of social protection programmes to be supported by the Fund have to be taken by the government of the recipient country, based on national dialogues with social partners and civil society with support by the UN and its specialised agencies.

We believe the Fund is necessary to fulfil the right of millions to have social protection in line with International Covenant for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights as well as international labour standards and to achieve SDG goal 1 target 3.

Social Protection is a human right, as yet unrealised. The gap is still large. The time is right for the Fund, the time is now.

Thank you very much.

Notes:

1 This is based in the internal document “Q&A on the Global Fund for Social Protection” prepared by the GCSPF working group for a Global Fund for Social Protection.

2 A Global Financing Mechanism for Social Protection. A proposal for the decade of action on the Sustainable Development Goals 2020-2030, April 2020, https://www.socialprotectionfloorscoalition.org/2020/04/a-global-financing-mechanism-for-social-protection/

The video of the virtual side event “Building Roofs and Raising Floors Through Inclusive Digital Technologies and A Global Fund for Social Protection”, co-organized by the Global Coalition for Social Protection Floors (GCSPF) and Global Call to Action Against Poverty (GCAP), is now online.

The virtual event was organised by the Global Coalition for Social Protection Floors (GCSPF) and the Global Call to Action Against Poverty (GCAP).  High level speakers from Governments, United Nations, civil society and academia tackled the diverse and interconnecting perspectives on social protection and homelessness, how digital technology can extend social protection floors to those who are living without roofs and the value and urgency of the Global Fund for Social Protection to deliver to all the right to social protection.

The side event took place at the UN Commission for Social Development 2021 (CSocD59) and was held on Friday 12 February, 2021.

Moderator: Magdalena Sepulveda - Executive Director, Global Initiative for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (GI-ESCR)

Keynote speaker: Olivier De Schutter - Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights, United Nations

Panellists:

Meryame Kitir - Minister of Development Cooperation and Urban Policy, Government of Belgium

Saila Ruuth - State Secretary to the Minister of Social Affairs and Health, Government of Finland

Rob Robinson - Partner for Dignity and Rights, Institute for Global Homelessness

Samuel Obara – Programme Manager, Africa Platform for Social Protection

Roshni K. Nuggehalli – Global Call to Action Against Poverty Co-Convenor, WadaNaTodo Abhiyan(WNTA), GCAP India and Executive Director, Youth for Unity and Voluntary Action (YUVA)

Sulistri Afrileston – Deputy President in charge of Social Protection, All Indonesian Trade Union Confederation

Nicola Wiebe - Social Protection Policy Specialist, Bread for the World; Global Coalition for Social Protection Floors

Shahra Razavi - Director of Social Protection Department, The International Labour Organisation

Paul Ladd – Director, United Nations Research Institute for Social Development

The speaker bios are here.

Download the main talking points of the speakers here.

Overview

  • Reliable system building for social protection needs long term international cooperation, joint engagement and funding. While financing social protection is primarily the responsibility of national governments, political will and international support is required until international tax justice improves and domestic fiscal capacity in some low income countries increases.
  • While the financing gap for low-income countries - according to ILO estimates  - represents 15.9% of their GDP, related to the Global GDP it is only 0.25. Bridging the financing and capacity gap is possible with political will and international commitment to the right to social protection for all.
  • Social protection experts from different countries know in depth about, and are involved in, overcoming the enormous challenges around building truly inclusive social protection floors to reach those being left furthest behind, essential to achieve SDG 1 target 1.3, and resolution 202 of the ILO.  Informal sector workers, undocumented migrants, homeless people and persons displaced by conflict, humanitarian crisis and climate related disaster are in most cases not integrated into social protection systems.
  • Homelessness can be overcome with tried and tested policies of housing with services, most notably through the Housing First model. This is rooted in the commitment to delivering the right to housing within the wider context of social protection and universal social and health services.
  • Digital public goods rooted in trust and ethical standards must be prioritized. Without access to digital technology millions are not able make their claims or to receive transfers. There is a digital divide in infrastructure, skills and access which excludes many in vulnerable situations, a situation exacerbated by age, gender, disability, ethnicity, location and social class. Digital cooperation and innovation at the global level is indispensable for sustainable development and to promote human agency, human rights and the rules-based international system.

In the words of Minister Kitir ‘A global fund for social protection, properly funded and managed, might be the tool we need. Because we are all in this together.’

Covid 19

Covid 19 has put the spotlight on social protection. All speakers reflected on the impact that Covid-19 is having on wellbeing and human rights, and the numbers affected. Minister Kitir reflected ‘Due to COVID, worldwide, we do not progress on social development. It’s the complete opposite, we are facing social regression.’ Covid 19 has negatively affected women to a greater extent, with crosscutting impacts according to age, disability, race, ethnicity and social class. Behind each statistic is a person with untold lives affected. People experiencing homelessness were particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 because they had no homes in which to safely shelter.

Social protection

Covid-19 has placed social protection right back at the centre of the debate of wellbeing and social progress; it will not however be the last crisis that the world faces, and requires international collaboration on a grand scale. Olivier de Schutter pointed out that we have a ‘ unique moment, an opportunity not to be missed’ and that ‘ SDGs call for international solidarity and enhanced development cooperation in the field of social protection’. Social protection measures have been ramped up in many countries, especially in High Income Countries and Middle Income Countries, including in countries with right-wing / conservative governments; but it is easier to roll out enhanced social protection effectively in countries with already comprehensive and universal systems than in countries where new measures need to be put in place.  Shara Razavi pointed out that while domestic resource mobilisation must be the basis of national social protection systems, international support for developing countries is critical, especially in the current context of falling commodity prices, disruptions in export revenues and dwindling remittances. While Covid-19 is undoubtedly a tragedy, it presents a political opportunity and economic rationale to make progress with a system that we know works. It also underlines the need to make a shift from ad hoc temporary schemes and porous safety nets to building nationally defined solid social protection systems with predictable means of financing along the lines of ILO-Recommendation 202 of 2012 and, the key principles of the 2011 Bachelet report on social protection floors and of SDG goal 1 target 1.3.

Global Fund for Social Protection

All panellists welcomed the idea of a Global Fund for Social Protection. Olivier de Schutter addressed some of its misconceptions and misunderstandings, not least because previous ‘vertical funds’ have a mixed reputation, especially when they have been top-down and instilled ‘donorship’ rather than ownership and have had non-inclusive governance and imposed conditionality. It is not intended that rich countries provide support in poorer countries as a permanent device, or that taxpayers from rich countries contribute indefinitely to social protection in low-income countries, but that it be a temporary bridge support to incentivize and mobilize mechanisms to invest in social protection systems that are rights based and require predictability in financing. Furthermore the Fund will be a stimulus to invest effectively in social development, legal entitlements (202) and in human capital. It offers the opportunity to be built from the bottom-up, with the participation of local groups and civil society actors, workers’ and employers’ organisations who give voice to those who would otherwise not be heard. They can push for greater accountability by decision-makers and greater transparency of policy processes – the essential basis of inclusive national dialogue to inform the formulation, implementation, financing and monitoring of universal social protection policies.

Beyond financing

Current expenditure levels on social protection are insufficient to close the persistent coverage gaps that leave more than half of the global population without any access to social protection, despite large – yet unequal – resource mobilization during COVID-19 crisis. The financing gap for social protection in low income settings is estimated to be half of development assistance provided by OECD countries in 2019. Financing is a constraint, but political will is also a barrier. ODA is likely to go down because of domestic priorities in donor countries. A broader view of financing – including tax evasion and avoidance, and debt relief is needed. Research and evidence from civil society that makes the case for social protection and how it can be effectively delivered in low income situations is still necessary, together with continued advocacy in all fora.

Homelessness

Finland considers housing to be a basic human right, where it is the government’s duty to act, and has had a focus on homelessness since the mid 1980s. It is on track to eradicate it by 2027. Housing First is a model that can be adopted universally and involves community in tracking who and where the homeless are. It is rooted in the commitment to the wider context of social protection and universal social and health services. Temporary shelter, introduced by some countries during the crisis, is not the answer. Without a working model over the longer term these measures may be rolled back as soon the crisis recedes. Universal cash benefits can play an important role in safeguarding individual autonomy by providing means to proper housing for those who would lack sufficient resources otherwise. Experience points to the need for housing to be integrated into social protection systems that are universal, comprehensive, integrated and addressed across sectors and issues holistically. They need to be predictable, adaptive and accompany people throughout their lives, and be there and operative when people don’t need it, as well as when they do. People dip in and out of needing support.

State Secretary Saila Ruuth said ‘In the light of Covid-19, it is very timely to reintroduce proposals, such as the Global Social Protection Fund, in order to meet the global challenges in the field of social protection.’

Digital technologies

Digital solutions should be built on trust, be inclusive and have data security, data privacy and high ethics. At the same time the benefits of new technologies have to be balanced with the risks around privacy and misuse of data by public and private bodies. By putting people at the centre, accessibility and quality of services are improved and well-being can be promoted, including through economic efficacy and tools to act against climate change. Experience from Africa is showing huge opportunities for new digital technologies to improve social protection systems; supporting people across the life course to access entitlements more quickly and efficiently, and with the potential to reduce costs, mismanagement and corruption. The digital divide in infrastructure, skills and access still excludes many in vulnerable situations, exacerbated by age, gender, disability, ethnicity, location and social class. A call was made for digital public goods through digital cooperation and innovation at the global level; indispensable for sustainable development and to promote human agency, human rights and the rules-based international system.

Further information at UNDESA: “Inclusive Digital Technologies and a Global Fund for Social Protection

Background Information

List of relevant ILO materials related to the topics of the side event and in particular Shahra Razavi’s intervention.

  • Social protection and access to adequate housing: Social protection systems for all to prevent homelessness and facilitate access to adequate housing
  • Financing social protection:
  • * Spotlight brief on Financing gaps in social protection: Global estimates and strategies for developing countries in light of the COVID-19 crisis and beyond

    * Working paper on Financing gaps in social protection: Global estimates and strategies for developing countries in light of the COVID-19 crisis and beyond

  • Data dashboards:
  • * World Social Protection Data Dashboard

    * Social Protection Monitor: Social protection responses to the COVID-19 crisis around the world

  • Other key resources:
  • * World Social Protection Report 2017-19

    * Policy resource package on extending social security to workers in the informal economy

    * ILO Social Protection Platform

    * Joint UN Social Protection and Human Rights web platform

    * Global Partnership for Universal Social Protection (USP2030)

    The Global Coalition for Social Protection Floors calls on the G20 to launch an initiative to establish a Global Fund for Social Protection. Read here the advocacy letter or donwload a pdf version.

    9 February, 2021

    In 2021, several important decisions will be taken at the international level as the world community strives to find ways out of the COVID 19 crisis. The focus will be on the vaccination efforts that are now beginning in many countries. An essential complement to that is to overcome the devastating social and economic consequences of the pandemic and build resilience going forward. To that end, and in advance of the G20 Employment Working Group meeting on February 15–17, we call on the G20 to launch an initiative to establish a Global Fund for Social Protection.

    We write to you on behalf of the Global Coalition for Social Protection Floors, a group of over 100 national and international non-governmental organizations promoting the right of all people to social security.1

    The crisis has not only created unprecedented demand on national healthcare systems, but it has also decimated jobs and workers’ livelihoods, and it has fuelled greater poverty and inequalities. In order to support those affected, as well as better prevent comparable crisis situations in the future, well-functioning social protection systems are needed. In many parts of the world, however, such systems are not in place. According to the International Labour Organisation, even before the crisis less than one half of the world’s population had access to any form of social protection, and more than two-thirds of the world’s population were unable to count on a comprehensive set of protections set out in international labour standards2. In many cases, it is not the political will that is lacking, but sufficient financial resources, especially in low-income countries. To support those countries lacking fiscal space in setting up appropriate social protection systems, a broad, solidarity-based and well-coordinated initiative by the international community is therefore needed.

    This is why Magdalena Sepúlveda, former UN Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights, and Olivier de Schutter, current UN Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights, have called for the establishment of a Global Fund for Social Protection.3 This call is supported by the government of France4, a number of civil society organisations and trade unions.5 The Global Coalition for Social Protection Floors strongly backs this initiative and has published a global call for the establishment of a Global Fund.6

    A Global Fund for Social Protection would provide technical assistance for governments to offer a set of benefits that would guarantee a minimum income security for all over the lifecycle. It would also provide temporary matching funds to low-income countries.

    This year’s G20 is a critical opportunity for the world’s largest economies to come together and coordinate a response to overcome the consequences of the pandemic. We therefore urge you to use your political means within the framework of the G20 to advocate for such a Fund. Such an act of international solidarity would unite the world on the path towards an equitable recovery from this pandemic.

    We look forward to an opportunity to talk to you about our call. For your commitment, we thank you very much.

    Global Coalition for Social Protection Floors

    List of member organisations:

    Act Church of Sweden
    Action Contre la Faim - France
    Africa Platform for Social Protection (APSP)
    Asia Monitor Resource Centre (AMRC)
    Brot für die Welt
    Centro de Implementación de Políticas Públicas para la Equidad y el Crecimiento (CIPPEC)
    Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd
    Dullah Omar Institue, University of the Western Cape
    Free Trade Union Development Center (FTUDC)
    Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Geneva
    Friends of the Disabled Association (FDA)
    Global Social Justice
    Gray Panthers
    HelpAge International
    Human Dignity
    International Movement ATD Fourth World
    Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary Loreto Generalate
    International Presentation Association (IPA)
    International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC)
    JusticeMakers Bangladesh
    Labour Education Foundation (LEF)
    Olive Community Development Initiatives(OCDI) Nigeria
    Olof Palme International Center
    OXFAM
    Save the Children UK
    Shanta Memorial Rehabilitation Center (SMRC)
    Social Justice in Global Development
    SOLIDAR
    The Grail
    UNANIMA International
    VIVAT International
    World Federalist Movement – Canada
    WSM (We Social Movements)


    Individual members:

    Markus Kaltenborn (Germany)
    Michael Cichon (Germany)

    Attachment: Civil Society Call for a Global Social Protection Fund.

    Notes:

    The virtual side event “Building Roofs and Raising Floors Through Inclusive Digital Technologies and A Global Fund for Social Protection”, co-organized by the Global Coalition for Social Protection Floors (GCSPF) and Global Call to Action Against Poverty (GCAP) with bring together speakers from the Governments of Finland and Belgium, the United Nations, civil society, academia, and lived experience. Speakers will explore the diverse and interconnecting perspectives on social protection and homelessness, and discuss why the Global Fund for Social Protection is necessary to ensure that all have the right to social protection. Speakers will specifically consider how digital technology can extend social protection floors to those who are living without roofs.

    The side event will take place at the UN Commission for Social Development 2021 (CSocD59) and will be held on Friday 12 February, 2021; 8:30 am – 9:45 am EST.

    Simultaneous translation from English to Spanish and French will be available.

    A secure Zoom link will be provided to all registrants. Please register at:  https://depaul.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_0IkT0ehST1m3e7bysmOQ_w

    Download the Concept Note here and the flyer here.

    The speaker bios are here.

    Social protection is a human right, and an investment with high social and economic returns – yet more than half the world’s population do not have access to comprehensive social protection. Coverage remains particularly low for marginalized children, people with disabilities, older people, widows, women, people working in the informal economy, migrants, the LGBTQI community, and people who are experiencing homelessness.

    COVID-19 has acted as an X-ray to highlight inequalities and as a stress test for access   to social protection, basic human rights, income, health security, and such essential goods as housing and food. People who are homeless have been particularly vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic, where “staying home” has been the primary strategy for protection against the virus. Social protection is a means of ensuring those without a roof have one, as countries that have tackled homelessness are proving. Many countries are now realizing both the necessity and the long-term benefits of universal, comprehensive and adequate social protection for all, based on sustainable and equitable financing, robust, adapted and tripartite administration and anchored in law. Inclusive digital technologies can help to build roofs and raise floors for the most vulnerable among us and will ensure the sustainability of interventions.

    The necessity for guaranteeing, financing and delivering social protection to all  including the most hard to reach may require, notably in low income countries, the technical and financial support of a Global Fund for Social Protection, which is being explored by the UN Special Rapporteur for Extreme Poverty and the Global Coalition for Social Protection Floors. The pandemic is set to push up to 150 million people into extreme poverty1, and 150 million children into multidimensional poverty2, and we can expect that homelessness has also increased worldwide. Homelessness is one of the most visible indicators of failure in any national social protection system, and the cruelest form of social exclusion often of the most marginalized. Yale University estimates “that no less than 150 million people, or about 2 percent of the world’s population, are homeless. However, about 1.6 billion, more than 20 percent of the world’s population, may lack adequate housing.”3 A substantial number of people in the latter group (i.e. more than 20% of the global population) are likely to be permanently vulnerable to homelessness notably in times of crises. The economic impact of COVID- 19 is a driver of housing insecurity and pushing ever more people to the brink of homelessness.

    To respond to the socioeconomic fallouts of the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries have put in place some social protection responses to support workers, children and families4. However, these are, for the most part, ad hoc measures of short duration, and need to be transformed into sustainable social protection measures. In relation to housing, time-limited eviction moratoriums are beginning to end around the world, putting more people at risk of homelessness.

    We know that still one fifth of the world lacks guarantees to social protection and homelessness is linked to this. We know what works, and which countries have made it one of their priorities to deal with homelessness as part of their social protection systems. It is time to build on these experiences to turn short-term measures into long- term solutions for all. The COVID-19 crisis has demonstrated that countries with established social protection systems are in a much better position to address the social and economic fallout of crises faster, more effectively, and more efficiently than countries who have to introduce new schemes on an ad hoc emergency basis.

    Communities that can count on inclusive data and technology systems have also been best positioned to respond to the unique needs of those who are homeless and housing insecure during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is more important than ever to make connections between social protection and the ongoing crisis in homelessness, strengthen and scale up social protection systems with digital systems, as the best way not only to cushion the impacts of the crisis on all those who are the most vulnerable, including families and those who are homeless, but to ensure an inclusive and sustainable recovery for all.

    The Global Coalition for Social Protection Floors (GCSPF) and the Global Call for Action Against Poverty (GCAP) invite you to a 75-minute side event with speakers from Governments, United Nations, civil society and academia. We will tackle the diverse and interconnecting perspectives on social protection and homelessness, and consider why the Global Fund for Social Protection is necessary to deliver to all the right to social protection. We will look at how digital technology can extend social protection floors to those who are living without roofs. Examples include the sponsored use of cellphones that ensure a minimum of connectedness and a critical link to society. Insights and conclusions will be inputted into the ongoing work of the Commission of Social Development and the discussions about the Global Fund for Social Protection.

    Program Outline

    All are welcome. The following provisional program outline is as of 4 February 2021; an updated flier with all confirmed speakers will be circulated closer to the event.

    Moderator - Magdalena Sepulveda, Executive Director of the Global Initiative for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (GI-ESCR)

    Section 1: Overview of the Topic from Member States and Special Rapporteur

    • Meryame Kitir, Minister of Development Cooperation, in charge of Major Cities, Government of Belgium
    • Saila Ruuth, State Secretary to the Minister of Social Affairs and Health, Government of Finland
    • Olivier De Schutter, Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights

    Section 2: Lived Experience and Social Protections for All

    • Rob Robinson, Partners for Dignity and Human Rights and Institute of Global Homelessness
    • Samuel Obara, Africa Platform for Social Protection
    • Roshni K. Nuggehalli, Global Call to Action Against Poverty, Wada Na Todo Abhiyan, Youth for Unity and Voluntary Action
    • Sulistri Afrileston, All Indonesian Trade Union Confederation

    Section 3: Action for change: Collaboration between civil society and the United Nations

    • Nicola Wiebe, Social Protection Policy Specialist Bread for the World, Global Coalition for Social Protection Floors
    • Shahra Razavi, Director of Social Security, The International Labour Organisation

    Conclusions and recommendations

    • Paul Ladd, United Nations Research Institute for Social Development

    Primary Contact: Lydia Stazen, DePaul University, lstazen@ighomelessness.org

    A secure Zoom link will be provided to all registrants. Please register at:https://depaul.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_0IkT0ehST1m3e7bysmOQ_w

    Notes:

    e-GCSPF # 49 - February 2021 - CSocD59
     

    GCSPF at the 59th Session of the Commission for Social Development

    The 59th session of the Commission for Social Development (CSocD59) will address the Priority Theme “Socially just transition towards sustainable development: the role of digital technologies on social development and well-being of all”. The CSocD59 will take place from 8th to 17th February 2021 in an hybrid (in-person and digital) format.

    The list of side events is here. Side events organized by members of the GCSPF are listed below.
    Read the information of the virtual side event “Building Roofs and Raising Floors Through Inclusive Digital Technologies and A Global Fund for Social Protection”, co-organized by the Global Coalition for Social Protection Floors (GCSPF) and Global Call to Action Against Poverty (GCAP).

    The NGO Committee for Social Development that follows and echoes the work of the UN Commission for Social Development, amplifying the many voices that are left behind and highlighting local examples of resilience, solidarity and hope moving forward communities in spite of the systemic obstacles they face everyday. Click here to read and sign the Civil Society Declaration.

    The NGO Committee will hold a 5-days Virtual Civil Society Forum (CSF 2021) that will include an all virtual Orientation and Networking event, three Thematic Sessions and a Closing Session. Please register separately for each event of the CSF 2021.

     
       
     

    Migration, Displacement & their Cross-cutting issues in the Context of Digital Technology & Just Transitions

       
     

    Migration and displacement in practice and purpose are a depiction of transition. Heavily influenced by digital technology, in the modern world ensuring this experience is not plagued with cross-cutting issues such as forced displacement, climate change and inequalities is integral, if we as a global community are to build a just, sustainable future. This event, organized by UNANIMA International, will not only holistically explore and address the Commission's theme in the context of migration and displacement but will also provide concrete links between the priority theme of CSocD59 and its past priority themes, particularly that of CSocD58, which was focused on social protection floors and homelessness. The dialogue will give an opportunity for members of the panel to discuss drivers, outcomes, policies, preventative solutions, and good practices for services. Staying true to our mantra “don't talk about us, without us,” this event will host a number of conversations between different types of experts on a common theme.
    The flyer is here and the concept note is here. Please register here.
    The virtual side event will take place on 9 February, 8:30 am - 9:45 am EST.

       
       
     

    Social Inclusion through digital inclusion in the context of sustainable development: trends and challenges

       
     

    The side-event coorganized by the International Council on Social Welfare (ICSW) in cooperation with other partners will to explore the pre-requisites and core activities necessary to ensure that all individuals and communities, including the most disadvantaged, have access to and use of information and communication technologies (ICT) and are fully capable of improving the terms of their participation in society through wider opportunities and access to resources, including digital resources. The presenters will address the existing challenges, as well as good practices that contribute to shaping the most appropriate models of digitalization focused on social well-being and welfare promotion.
    The concept note is here. Please register here. To participate click here (Access code 631894).
    The virtual side event will take place on 9 February, 10 am - 11:15 am EST.

       
       
     

    Digital inclusion in Education and Social Protection for all

       
     
    The First Thematic Panel on "Digital Inclusion in Education and Social Protection for All", as part of the Civil Society Forum 2021, CSocD59.
    Digital technology is not neutral. Big data, algorithms, and artificial intelligence are informed by existing human biases and reinforce stereotypes, perpetuating discrimination, and inequity. Disparities are also pervasive among existing users of digital technology. Gender biases contribute to compromised technological literacy in women, resulting in fewer women in STEM fields and less participation in innovation. Access and literacy are inextricably linked and together have the power to connect the most vulnerable communities to social benefits, culture, healthcare, and education, among much more.
    Further information is available here. Please register here.
    The virtual event will take place on Tuesday 9 February, 10:30 am - 12 pm EST.
       
       
     

    Digital Technology at the Service of Ending Homelessness

       
     

    In this event, we will offer several perspectives about ways digital technology can alleviate or help end homelessness. A youth will provide their experience. We will hear from two digital technology companies about their means of using technology with regard to homelessness. Ideas about using technology to count homelessness (so that it can be addressed) willbe offered. And a speaker will discuss using technology to provide education to persons without homes.
    The Congregation of the Mission, the Company of the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, the International Associations of Charities (AIC), Sisters of Charity Federation, the International Confederation of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, and the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary all are involved in a variety of efforts to end homelessness.
    The flyer is here and the concept note is here. Please register here.
    The virtual side event will take place on 9 February, 1:15 pm - 2:30 pm EST.

       
       
     

    The Economy of Wellbeing: A Holistic Approach to achieve the Agenda 2030 goals

       
     

    Economy of Wellbeing (EoW) is a policy orientation and governance approach that places people and their wellbeing at the center of policy and decision- making. This Virtual Side Event aims at global discussion on the EoW by bringing together speakers from Europe, Africa and Asia to explore the characteristics and conditions for EoW, and linking it with “just transition”.
    The concept note is here. Please register here.
    The virtual side event will take place on 11 February, 8:30 am - 9:45 am EST.

       
       
     

    Building Roofs and Raising Floors Through Inclusive Digital Technologies and A Global Fund for Social Protection

       
     

    The virtual side event co-organized by the Global Coalition for Social Protection Floors and Global Call to Action Against Poverty (GCAP) with bring together speakers from the Governments of Finland and Belgium, the United Nations, civil society, academia, and lived experience. Speakers will explore the diverse and interconnecting perspectives on social protection and homelessness, and discuss why the Global Fund for Social Protection is necessary to ensure that all have the right to social protection. Speakers will specifically consider how digital technology can extend social protection floors to those who are living without roofs.
    The flyer is here and the concept note is here. Please register here.
    The virtual side event will take place on Friday 12 February, 08.30 am - 09.45 am (EST).

       
       
     

    Behind the Screen: Grassroots experiences accessing social services and education in a digital world

       
     


    A diverse panel organized by International Movement ATD Fourth World will bring together activists with a lived experience of poverty—affected by either the digital divide or the digital transformation of public services—academics working on the digital welfare state, and Member State representatives proposing good practices. They will engage in discussion on the intersectional challenges that lie in transforming government services in the digital era while protecting the rights, dignity and wellbeing of all, especially that of individuals and families with lived experience of poverty.
    The flyer is here. Please register here.
    The virtual side event will take place on Monday 15 February, 1:15 pm - 2:30 pm (EST).

       
       
     

    Digital and Financial Equity: Solutions to Ensure Inclusive Post-COVID-19 Recovery

       
     

    The State of Broadband 2019 report reveals that global growth in the percentage of households connected to the internet is slowing, rising only slightly to 54.8% from 53.1% last year. In low-income countries, household internet adoption improved by a mere 0.8% on average. While businesses are increasingly offering consumers the option to transact through online and mobile platforms, two major barriers prevent consumers from adopting these digital options: lack of internet connectivity (digital exclusion) and lack of a bank account to receive or make payments (financial exclusion). The experience of COVID-19 has intensified the fundamental weakness in digital inclusion for micro small and medium enterprises, and those in marginalized communities to receive social benefits . The panel -coorganized by Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary - Loreto Generalate- will explore interlinkages between financial and digital exclusion, regulatory challenges, disparities in broadband connectivity including technology behind internet connectivity and propose solutions.
    The virtual side event will take place on Monday 15 February, 1.15 pm - 2.30 pm (EST).

       
       
     

    Serving Across the Digital Divide: Catholic Religious Witness to the Role of Digital Technology in Social Inequalities

       
     

    In this side event (co-organized by Justice Coalition of Religious: DC, CM, CND, Congregations of St. Joseph, OP, CMF, IBVM & CJ, PBVM, MM, MMS, OMI, CP, RSHM, Salesian Missions, SSND, Sisters of Charity Federation, SND de Namur, RSCJ, UNANIMA International) we will learn from the experiences, perspectives, and visions of several Catholic women and men Religious who are dedicated to service of those on the disconnected side of our current digital divide. They will shine a light on the particular ways the digital divide has impacted the marginalised communities in which they live and minister. They will also offer their insights into what the first steps toward digitalization could look like in their communities and the role they are ready to play in that process.
    The concept note is here. The flyer is here. Please register here.
    The virtual side event will take place on Monday 15 February, 1.15 pm - 2.30 pm (EST).

       
       
     

    Indigenous Peoples’ Social Development Principles

       
     

    Indigenous Peoples' representatives will share issues as well as development principles to remedy or avoid these social concerns. The panel presentations are followed by questions allowing all stakeholders to implement their organizations' plans with consideration of Indigenous Peoples' development principles that advance Indigenous Peoples’ continued sustainable social development. Eliminate systemic racism to achieve a socially just transition towards sustainable development incorporating Indigenous Peoples’ development principles shared at this side event. Implement human rights instruments allowing equitable decision-making to ensure digital technologies promote social development and well-being of all. Promote Indigenous Peoples’ development index measuring social development progress with data we own and share in accordance with DRIP to fill data gaps. The event is organized by The Grail.
    The concept note is here.
    The event will be held on Wednesday 17 February, 8:30 am - 9:45 am (EST).

       
       
     

    Youth Perspectives on Family Homelessness and Technology

       
     

    “Youth Perspectives on Family Homelessness and Technology” will primarily give voice to the perspectives people with lived experience of homelessness/displacement and University students on how Family Homelessness is affected by technology, including through examination of the role of digital technologies on social development and well-being of all, especially the most marginalized of our world (migrants, refugees, visible and hidden homeless populations). Topics of presentation within this discussion will include inequality as a driver of homelessness, experiences of hidden homelessness, human trafficking, and experiences of displacement. UNANIMA International’s intention is to showcase perspectives which consider gender and social justice lenses, which are particularly relevant to both issues of Family Homelessness and technology. The contributions of lived experience will rightfully place these individuals as experts on the topics which affect them. This event is organized by Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur.
    The concept note is here. Please register here.
    The virtual side event will be held on Wednesday 17 February, 08.30 am - 09.45 am (EST).

       
       

    JOIN US TO ACHIEVE SOCIAL PROTECTION FOR ALL

    GLOBAL COALITION FOR SOCIAL PROTECTION FLOORS - GCSPF

    For comments, suggestions, collaborations contact us at:

    anaclau@item.org.uy

    To stop receiving this newsletter send a message with the subject "unsubscribe" to:

    anaclau@item.org.uy

    e-GCSPF # 48 - January 2021
       
     

    What's next for Social Protection: A Global Fund for Social Protection

       
     

    The blog “What's next for Social Protection: A Global Fund for Social Protection” by Nicola Wiebe is published as part of the activities to promote and disseminate the results and key discussions of the global e-Conference ‘Turning the COVID-19 crisis into an opportunity: What’s next for social protection?’.

    The article summarises the key messages from the e-Conference’s Side Event on A Global Fund for Social Protection. The session was moderated by Alison Tate, Director of Economic and Social Policy of International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), and joined by speakers Valérie Schmitt, Deputy Director of International Labour Organization (ILO); Gabriel Fernández, Social Protection Specialist of Africa Platform for Social Protection (APSP); Markus Kaltenborn, Professor of Law of Ruhr University Bochum; Sulistri Afrileston, Deputy President of the Confederation of Indonesia Prosperous Trade Union KSBSI, member of ITUC;  Michael Cichon, Professor emeritus of Social Protection of Maastricht Graduate School of Governance at the United Nations University in Maastricht (UNU MERIT); Marcus Manuel, Senior Research Associate of Overseas Development Institute (ODI). The full session is available here and the blog is here.

       
       
     

    Flyer of the Global Coalition for Social Protection Floors

       
     

    Different versions of a flyer, with information about the Global Coalition in order to promote our objectives and main activities are now published on the website and it is available in different formats.

    The flyer is available in English, Arabic, French and Spanish.

       
       
     

    CSocD59: “Building Roofs and Raising Floors Through Inclusive Digital Technologies and A Global Fund for Social Protection”

       
     

    The virtual side event “Building Roofs and Raising Floors Through Inclusive Digital Technologies and A Global Fund for Social Protection”, organized by the Global Coalition for Social Protection Floors, will be held in the framework of the Commission for Social Development 2021 (CSocD59).
    The virtual side event will take place on 12 February 08.30-09.45 am (EST).

       
       
     

    New Oxfam report on the need for USP in times of COVID19 'Shelter from the Storm"

       
     

    Oxfam launched the report “Shelter from the Storm. The global need for universal social protection in times of COVID-19”. As 2020 draws to a close, the economic devastation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic shows no sign of abating. Without urgent action, global poverty and inequality will deepen dramatically. Hundreds of millions of people have already lost their jobs, gone further into debt or skipped meals for months. Research by Oxfam and Development Pathways shows that over 2 billion people have had no support from their governments in their time of need.

    Our analysis shows that none of the social protection support to those who are unemployed, elderly people, children and families provided in low- and middle-income countries has been adequate to meet basic needs. 41% of that government support was only a one-off payment and almost all government support has now stopped.

    Decades of social policy focused on tiny levels of means-tested support have left most countries completely unprepared for the COVID-19 economic crisis. Yet, countries such as South Africa and Bolivia have shown that a universal approach to social protection is affordable, and that it has a profound impact on reducing inequality and protecting those who need it most. Read more

       
       
     

    Migration in South Asia: Poverty and Vulnerability

       
     

    The attempt in the report “Migration in South Asia: Poverty and Vulnerability” published by SAAPE is to understand the underlying causes of the migration of the poor, from both within a country as well as from a regional perspective. While migration is also a result of people seeking better economic opportunities, among the poor, this is primarily a survival strategy. Poor people migrate because of a crisis to the survival of their families and communities. Rising inequalities, destruction of livelihood options, war and conflicts, climate and environmental crises are all major drivers of migration. While the poor are forced out across state and national borders, they often face hostility in their migration destinations. They have to face up to the loss of democratic rights, absence of any social security protection and the loss of a protective community. Read more

       
       
     

    COVID-19 and older people in Asia Pacific: 2020 in review

       
     

    The report “COVID-19 and older people in Asia Pacific: 2020 in review” published by UNFPA and HelpAge International is a look back at how the pandemic affected older people in Asia Pacific in 2020.

    This paper documents some of the key themes that emerged throughout the year and suggests critical gaps that 2021 will urgently need to address. The pandemic has exposed the fine line between highlighting older people’s social vulnerabilities and reinforcing ageist perceptions. Read more

       
       
     

    World Social Forum 2021

       
     

    Considering the global pandemic situation, the 2021 edition of the World Social Forum will be virtual from January 23 to 31, 2021.

    The proposal is an assembly of several ideas and part of the experience of face-to-face forums, mixed with the potentialities of the virtual one. The program is here.

    SOCIAL JUSTICE: PRINCIPLE AND OBJECTIVE OF SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION. The event will be held on 28th January 2-5 pm UCT.

       
       
     

    Working from home: From invisibility to decent work

       
     

    The dramatic increase in working from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the poor working conditions experienced by many homeworkers.

    Those working from home, whose number has greatly increased due to the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, need better protection, says the International Labour Organization (ILO) in a new report. Since homeworking occurs in the private sphere it is often “invisible”. In low- and middle-income countries for instance, almost all home-based workers (90 per cent) work informally.

    They are usually worse off than those who work outside the home, even in higher-skilled professions. Homeworkers earn on average 13 per cent less in the United Kingdom; 22 per cent less in the United States of America; 25 per cent less in South Africa and about 50 per cent in Argentina, India and Mexico.

    The report, Working from home. From invisibility to decent work, also shows that homeworkers do not have the same level of social protection as other workers. They are also less likely to be part of a trade union or to be covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

    The report is available in English, French and Spanish.

       
       
     

    Welcome to new members

       
     

    Action Contre La Faim France | ACF-France

       
     

    Created in 1979, our Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) – Action Against Hunger – is fighting against hunger in the world. Its mission is to save lives eradicating hunger through the prevention, detection, and treatment of malnutrition, in particular during and after emergency situations caused by conflicts and natural disasters.

    Today, Action Against Hunger is a major player in the fight against hunger in the world. Structured on an international network, that provides a coordinated response in nearly 50 countries.

    The French organization, which legal name is “Action Contre la Faim – France”, is now member of the Global Coalition. Further information can be found here. Our 2019 narrative report, in French, is here. Our 2018’s report which is in English is here

    Contact information: Johanna Wagman (Advocacy Analyst – Rights and Essential Services)

       
       
     

    Pakistan Evaluation Association (PEA)

       
     

    Pakistan Evaluation Association (PEA) is a voluntary association that promotes evaluation across Pakistan at national and sub national levels. PEA, as a professional body, advocates the culture of transparency and accountability through Evaluation in the government, private sector, and civil society.

    PEA is an active Voluntary Organization Promoting Evaluation (VOPE). In a very small tenure it establishes to champion, advocate, and become voice of evaluation community at the national level. PEA is currently one of the only active evaluation associations in the country and region.

    Further information can be found here.

    Contact information
    Sarah Davies, Coordinator
    Sarah.davies88@hotmail.co.uk, pakevaluationassociation@gmail.com
    Twitter, Facebook

       
       

    JOIN US TO ACHIEVE SOCIAL PROTECTION FOR ALL

    GLOBAL COALITION FOR SOCIAL PROTECTION FLOORS - GCSPF

    For comments, suggestions, collaborations contact us at:

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Civil Society Call for a Global Fund for Social Protection

Over 200 civil society organizations and trade unions unite to call for a Global Fund for Social Protection to protect the most vulnerable during COVID-19 and beyond.

Read the Call

SP&PFM Programme

The programme Improving Synergies Between Social Protection and Public Finance Management provides medium-term support to multiple countries aiming to strengthen their social protection systems at a national level and ensure sustainable financing. The programme aims to support countries in their efforts towards achieving universal social protection coverage.

This initiative is implemented jointly by the ILO, Unicef, and the GCSPF.

Read more

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