Global Progress in Social Protection: 55 Million More People Covered

 Introduction to the ILO’s Global Flagship Programme

The International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Global Flagship Programme on Building Social Protection Floors for All has achieved a significant milestone. As of 2025, over 55 million more people have gained access to social protection benefits compared to 2021, thanks to this global initiative. The second phase of the programme, which runs from 2021 to 2025, has contributed to substantial improvements in social protection coverage, adequacy, and comprehensiveness.

Key Achievements of the Flagship Programme

The ILO’s annual Development Partners meeting in Geneva highlighted these remarkable achievements. Participants from governments, workers' organizations, employers, and global institutions shared progress on expanding social protection and strengthening social security systems worldwide. The ILO has been instrumental in driving these changes through strategic partnerships.

Global Coverage Milestone

In a significant breakthrough, the ILO’s World Social Protection Report 2024 revealed that 52.4% of people globally are now covered by at least one form of social protection. While this marks progress, the report also underscores the vast challenge remaining, as 3.8 billion people still lack protection. The ILO’s continued efforts, through its Flagship Programme, aim to bridge this gap, with the ultimate goal of achieving universal social protection.

Support for Countries and Institutional Changes

Since its inception in 2016, the Flagship Programme has provided support to 50 priority countries and focused on improving social protection policies in 16 key areas. This support has driven institutional changes, including the adoption of new laws, the reform of existing schemes, and the enhancement of operational frameworks. As a result, 149 institutional changes were implemented, far surpassing the initial goal of 80 changes.

Impact on Independent Workers

A key focus of the programme has been the inclusion of independent workers in social protection systems. With the technical and financial backing of the ILO and the World Bank, a successful awareness campaign has enrolled over 1 million independent workers in social security schemes. This demonstrates the effectiveness of public policies and commitment to achieving universal social protection.

Looking Ahead to Phase III

As the second phase of the Flagship Programme nears its end, the ILO and its partners are already planning for Phase III (2026–2030). This phase will be crucial in advancing the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly SDG Target 1.3, which seeks to ensure universal social protection by 2030.

Global Commitment and Future Goals

Countries like Luxembourg have reiterated their commitment to supporting the Flagship Programme’s impact. Social protection, as emphasized by Marc Bichler, Luxembourg’s Ambassador to the UN, is not just a safety net but an investment in resilient, inclusive societies. By joining forces, global partners aim to accelerate progress towards universal social protection, leaving no one behind.