The International Labour Organisation has revealed that its Global Flagship Programme on Building Social Protection Floors for All has achieved a major milestone, providing over 55 million people with access to vital benefits since 2021.
The achievement was celebrated at the programme’s annual Development Partners meeting in Geneva, attended by 55 representatives of governments, workers’ and employers’ organisations, alongside over 1,400 virtual participants.
ILO disclosed in a statement that the Flagship Programme, launched in 2016, has been instrumental in strengthening social protection systems worldwide, helping to extend coverage, improve adequacy, and ensure comprehensive benefits.
It explained that the programme’s second phase (2021–2025) has far exceeded expectations, with 149 institutional changes made across participating countries—nearly double the initial target of 80.
Meanwhile, it noted that these changes include new laws, policy reforms, and the expansion of social security schemes that now protect millions of workers and vulnerable populations.
During the meeting, ILO’s Assistant Director-General for Jobs and Social Protection, Mia Seppo, emphasised the programme’s impact while acknowledging the work still ahead.
“For the first time, our World Social Protection Report published in September 2024 shows that 52.4 per cent of the global population is covered by at least one branch of social protection. This is a testament to our collective efforts,” she said.
However, she stressed that 3.8 billion people remain unprotected and called for a renewed push toward universal social protection.
She mentioned that one of the programme’s standout successes is in Côte d’Ivoire, where a government-led awareness campaign, supported by the ILO and the World Bank, led to one million independent workers enrolling in the national social security system.
Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Employment and Social Protection, Adama Kamara, said, “This success demonstrates the effectiveness of public policies and the commitment of development partners to achieving universal social protection.”
Meanwhile, it noted that the ILO’s Flagship Programme supports SDGs 1.3 and 3.8 by promoting universal social protection and healthcare. Operating in 50 countries across 16 thematic areas, tackling challenges like informal employment, ageing populations, and climate change.
“With one year left in its current phase, it is on track to extend social protection to 60 million people,” it stated.
The Geneva meeting also discussed Phase III (2026–2030), which aims to further close the social protection gap before the 2030 SDG deadline.
Luxembourg’s Ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, Marc Bichler, said, “Social protection is not just a safety net; it is an investment in stable, inclusive, and resilient societies.
“Amid economic uncertainty, climate change, and geopolitical tensions, the programme drives social protection for those in need. Through collaboration and policy innovation, development partners strive for an inclusive future.”
