Social Development Commission Highlights Need for Local Innovations and Addressing Informal Labour
Today, the Commission for Social Development convened at UN Headquarters in New York to address transformative social development priorities, with a significant focus on informal labor. Running from February 2 to February 10, the annual session aims to implement commitments made during the World Summits for Social Development held in Copenhagen and Doha. Key discussions included the need for robust social protection systems and policies to support vulnerable populations, particularly in the context of economic challenges and climate change.
Addressing Informal Labor and Development Traps
During the session, José Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs, Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), highlighted the pressing need to tackle the “three main development traps” affecting countries in his region. These traps include low growth capacity, high inequality, and weak institutional governance. Salazar-Xirinachs emphasized that these issues are interconnected, with deep-rooted inequality stemming from inadequate economic growth. He pointed out that social protection systems in Latin America primarily rely on taxes from the formal economy, which struggles to generate sufficient formal jobs due to low growth. To combat these challenges, he called for productive development and social protection policies that can create decent work opportunities. He also noted that regional countries have urged ECLAC to advocate for investing 1.5 to 2.5 percent of GDP in social protection to amplify their voices at the Second World Summit for Social Development.
Strengthening Social Protection for Vulnerable Groups
Magdalena Sepúlveda Carmona, Director of the United Nations Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD), stressed the importance of enhancing universal, rights-based social protection and public services. She pointed out that informal workers, migrants, women, and persons with disabilities often remain unprotected. Sepúlveda called for policies that not only safeguard workers and communities but also adapt to the challenges posed by climate change and economic disruptions. She highlighted the need for stronger cooperation among UN agencies to amplify these efforts and create fairer economic governance. Many governments face tight fiscal constraints and debt burdens, which hinder their ability to fulfill ambitious social commitments. Sepúlveda argued that without adequate fiscal space, transformative social development cannot be achieved, underscoring the necessity for aligned policies and renewed cooperation.
Health Equity and Social Development Interconnection
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), emphasized the inseparable link between social development and health equity. He noted that nearly half of the global population lacks income protection, and over 2 billion individuals face financial hardships when seeking healthcare. Ghebreyesus described these issues as failures of social development rather than mere health failures. He pointed out that health and care work, predominantly performed by women, is undervalued, leading to essential services being relegated to unpaid labor. He advocated for universal health coverage to protect individuals from out-of-pocket medical expenses and for social protection systems that compensate for lost income due to illness. Ghebreyesus stressed that integrated policies connecting health systems with clean water, sanitation, nutrition, safe housing, and social protection are crucial for ensuring healthy and secure lives.
Innovative Approaches to Poverty Reduction and Employment
The Commission’s afternoon session featured a multi-stakeholder forum focused on local innovations aimed at poverty reduction and job creation. Mo Rong, Chief Expert at the Chinese Academy of Labour and Social Security, discussed China’s commitment to an “employment-first” policy, which he described as essential for enhancing people’s well-being. He shared examples of government initiatives in Zhejiang province that promote “common prosperity” through job cooperatives and welfare jobs, which help vulnerable individuals find employment. These efforts aim to facilitate societal integration and inclusive development. Additionally, Olena Ivankiv from Ukraine highlighted the importance of cooperation in addressing the challenges faced by displaced individuals, emphasizing their desire for dignity and belonging rather than charity. She advocated for collaborative solutions that engage local businesses and communities to address their needs effectively.
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