Global Expansion of Social Protection Systems Remains Too Slow

Amidst the threats of the climate crisis, our survival largely hinges on our ability to prepare for, adapt to, and mitigate its impacts. In this instance, social protection systems are essential in advancing social justice, climate action, and a just transition toward more sustainable systems. Given its importance, to what extent have they been implemented globally?

Current State

Shocks caused by the climate crisis are major global threats to people’s welfare and wellbeing. Those who are not equipped with safety nets are at great risk of plunging into poverty, which further exacerbates the state of global inequality. This is where social protection systems come into the picture, intending to tackle the root causes of vulnerability by cushioning the impacts of shocks and crises through multiple mechanisms.

The International Labour Organization’s “World Social Protection Report 2024-26” flagship report provides a global overview of progress since 2015 in extending social protection and building rights-based social protection systems. 

Overall, social protection coverage has expanded globally. The report stated that 52.4% of the global population is now covered by at least one social protection benefit, signifying an increase from 42.8% in 2015. However, the pace is too slow. With the current rate, it would take another 49 years for everyone to be covered by at least one social protection benefit.

Slow Progress and Existing Gaps

When examined closely, the slow progress of social protection coverage can be attributed to several factors. For instance, gender gaps remain significant, with 50.1% of the women population covered by at least one social protection benefit compared to men’s 54.6%. Gaps and inequality are also found among economic class, with only 33.8% of the working-age population legally covered by comprehensive social protection systems.

In terms of climate preparation, the report found very little social protection coverage among countries with high risk of climate change impacts. For the 20 most vulnerable, only 8.7% of the population is covered by social protection, leaving roughly 364 million people unprotected. 

Furthermore, there is still a huge financing gap in social protection systems. On average, countries spend 12.9% of their GDP on social protection, excluding health. However, this figure fails to show the actual gap. According to the report, high-income countries spend 16.2%; upper-middle-income countries, 8.5%; lower-middle-income countries, 4.2%; and low-income countries, 0.8%.

Expanding Social Protection Systems for All

Given the severity of climate impacts, expanding social protection coverage is urgent. Significant investment, determination, and political will from national policymakers and international actors are critical to implementing climate actions, supporting a just transition, and achieving universal social protection systems. 

The report provides several priority areas for governments, businesses, and civil society to focus on:

• Giving sufficient attention to building rights-based universal social protection through intensified efforts.
• Reinforcing social protection to demonstrate commitment to protect people.
• Keeping alive the promise of leaving no one behind.
• Placing comprehensive social protection systems now rather than later.

Investing further to achieve universal and robust social protection for all.

Editor: Nazalea Kusuma

Kresentia Madina

Reporter at Green Network Asia | Website |  + postsBio

Madina is the Assistant Manager of Stakeholder Engagement at Green Network Asia. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English Studies from Universitas Indonesia. As part of the GNA In-House Team, she supports the organization's multi-stakeholder engagement across international organizations, governments, businesses, civil society, and grassroots communities through digital publications, events, capacity building, and research.

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