1. Global Partnership for Universal Social Protection USP2030
Many developing countries are rapidly expanding social protection coverage … Several have put in place universal or near universal schemes
Check 23 country cases here:
universal.social-protection.org
…and many development partners working together to promote Universal Social Protection Systems
New York, September 2016
High level launch and inauguration of the joint programme of action to increase the number of countries adopting Universal Social Protection.
See: universal.social-protection.org

2. Importance In 2000 – MDGs universal education
In 2009 – Universal health coverage
In 2016 – Universal social protection
Importance of having World Bank leadership fully supporting universalism, instead narrow focus on targeted safety nets. WB says they cannot support ILO Conventions and Recommendations – but WB leadership supports the principles
Use it in your country! See all materials here:
Concept note, nearly 30 country cases, etc

3. Importance (II)
Having the support of the World Bank leadership very important… and also the support of donors and UN agencies as some of their staff not so aware about universalism

4. Showing that many developing countries have universal social protection schemes was fundamental – also the positive developmental impacts (next slide)
Argentina
Armenia
Azerbaijan
Belarus
Bolivia
Botswana
Brazil
Brunei
Cabo Verde
Chile
China
Cook Islands
Georgia
Guyana
India
Kazakhstan
Kiribati
Kosovo
Kyrgyz Republic
Lesotho
Maldives
Mauritius
Mongolia
Namibia
Nepal
Samoa
Seychelles
South Africa
Swaziland
Tanzania (Zanzibar)
Thailand
Timor-Leste
Trinidad Tobago
Ukraine
Uruguay
Uzbekistan
Example: China
Expansion of old-age pension coverage over
Source: universal.social-protection.org

5. Investment in social protection
Inclusive growth and human development
Investment in social protection
Reduces poverty and inequality
Lessens social tensions and conflict
Builds political stability
Increases consumption and aggregate demand
Supports crisis response and structural change
Promotes economic growth
Better access to food and better nutritional status
Higher income security for households
Improved health
Higher utilization of health services
Increases human development and productivity
Higher school attendance and reduction in child labour
Better educational performance
Link:
Figure 6.23 (Print)
Facilitates search for jobs and riskier decision-making
Promotes productive employment and entrepreneurship

6. Many paths to Universal Social Protection
Governments have a wide set of options to achieve universal social protection. South-South learning shows:
Some countries opted for immediate universal coverage – eg. Botswana, Timor Leste.
Others gradual and progressive approach – eg. Brazil, Thailand.
Some have universalism embedded in their national constitutions - eg. Bolivia, South Africa.
Others have achieved universalism without any similar constitutional provisions eg. Swaziland, Uruguay.
Universal social protection is most commonly started with old-age pensions, but some countries have opted to universalize in parallel disability, maternity and/or child benefits. Eg. Argentina, Nepal.
Some provide a publicly-financed social pension/benefit to all – eg. Mongolia, Namibia.
Others provide a minimum pension to those who do not have a contributory pension, ensuring universality - eg. Azerbaijan, China.
Strategic use of transfers to the poor and vulnerable who are not reached out by other social protection schemes-Brazil, Chile, Georgia.

7. What’s Next? At the launch, it was agreed to FORMALIZE THE PARTNERSHIP
Objective, as agreed in the Concept Note, is “to increase the number of countries that can provide universal social protection, supporting countries to design and implement universal and sustainable social protection systems.”
Governance structure will have to be formalized, led by the WBG and ILO, the partnership is open to interested SPIAC-B members and others;
An Action Plan being discussed