Reclaiming Social Progress: Decent Work, Economic Security, and the Path Forward

As the global community prepares for the Second World Summit for Social Development, a timely side event held at the margins of the 2025 High-Level Political Forum brought together a diverse group of stakeholders to discuss solutions to a pressing problem: persistently insecure jobs and income instability for most workers .

Organized by the Permanent Mission of Portugal to the United Nations, and UN DESA’s Division for Inclusive Social Development (DISD), the event highlighted findings from the World Social Report 2025: A New Policy Consensus to Accelerate Social Progress on recent trends in the world of work and their social impacts. The programme also featured the presentation of national experiences from Portugal, Colombia and Mexico, as well as insights from the International Labour Organization.

The World Social Report 2025 reveals a sobering reality: even though the global labour market has recovered from the Covid-19 pandemic by standard indicators, informal employment remains predominant in low- and middle-income countries, while job instability and precarious work are on the rise globally, including in the formal sector. More than half of the world’s population, based on responses to a global opinion poll, are very afraid of losing their job or not finding a new job.

Employment insecurity undermines economic stability, weakens trust in institutions, and perpetuates inequality. Women and youth are particularly affected, often excluded from formal employment or engaged in unpaid care work that remains invisible.

The report highlights that siloed or piecemeal approaches are insufficient to tackle this complex challenge. The vicious cycle of insecurity, inequality and distrust can only be broken by major transformations in policies, as well as in institutions, norms, values, and even mindsets.

The event emphasized that a different path is possible. As shown by the experiences of Portugal, Mexico, and Colombia, coherent policy frameworks and strong institutions can help promote decent work and reduce inequality, even amid global uncertainty.

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Ambassador Rui Vinhas of Portugal highlighted his country’s efforts to boost wages, expand childcare, support caregivers, increase spending on education and enhance the protection of the rights of older persons and people with disabilities. Ambassador Vinhas stressed that, “We need an economy that works for everyone. Fair wages, secure jobs, and decent working conditions must be the foundation of any economic recovery and growth.” Internationally, Portugal leads cooperation on universal social protection and hosted the Porto Social Forum to drive collective action for sustainable, equitable societies.

Ambassador Héctor Vasconcelos of Mexico stressed that development must uphold the rights of marginalized groups. Supporting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which make up 99 per cent of Mexico’s economy, is central to its agenda. The country is prioritizing the protection of workers’ rights and continues to advocate for international collaboration to achieve sustainable development.

Mr. Juan Tellez of Colombia highlighted recent job and pension reforms aimed at creating a more inclusive labour market in Colombia. Targeted policies are being implemented for historically excluded groups, and the country has embraced the concept of just transitions. Colombia introduced its first national care policy to ensure dignified care for all and ratified the Inter-American Social Security Agreement, extending coverage to Colombians working abroad.

Mr. Yasin Samatar of the International Labour Organization (ILO) emphasized that transitioning from informal to formal employment is key to reducing insecurity and inequality. A renewed global consensus is needed to restore the social contract, invest in institutions, and overcome the main barrier: lack of political will.

The event concluded with an interactive discussion moderated by Ms. Bjørg Sandkjær, Assistant Secretary-General for Policy Coordination at UN DESA, who invited participants to reflect on how the international community can build a renewed vision for social development—one that places people, dignity, and equity at the center of economic transformation.

The discussion segment raised pressing questions about the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in disrupting labour markets. Participants noted that SDG 8 also concerns the quality of employment, and a lack of digital skills may be hindering access to decent work.

In response, panellists stressed that humanity has agency over technology and can shape technological change. Within the EU, two key dimensions are being considered: establishing normative standards and providing training and skills. Additionally, the ILO has launched an AI Observatory to monitor and guide developments in this rapidly evolving field.

As preparations for the upcoming social summit continue, this high-level dialogue serves as a critical reminder: insecurity and inequality are not inevitable. But overcoming these social challenges requires major transformations in policy, institutions, and a shared commitment to decent work for all.

For more information on recent trends in decent work and insecurity, see also Trends in the World of Work: Social Stability at Risk, World Social Report 2025 Thematic Paper No. 4.