Resources

This joint document underscores the need to strengthen social policies and tailor them to a risk structure reconfigured by global crises. Alongside high levels of poverty, inequality and informal employment, profound transformations in demographics, climate, technology and the labour market are under way. Complementary actions beyond social policy are also needed, as progress is equally crucial in the economic and environmental dimensions. Regional frameworks and agreements have been instrumental in driving social policy change and must continue to be leveraged, including in the universalization of social protection systems and in the areas of migration, labour inclusion, taxation and resource management, to achieve shared growth and stability.

The ILO policy brief, “Peak-level social dialogue: An essential force for economic development and social progress, highlights the role of peak-level social dialogue in fostering inclusive, legitimate policymaking and advancing the UN 2030 Agenda. It examines current challenges and gaps in participation, resources, and fundamental rights that affect its effectiveness.

This brief outlines how the Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection helps countries design and finance integrated policies for decent work, universal social protection, and just transitions. It highlights the initiative’s role in advancing social development goals through tailored national roadmaps and multilateral collaboration.

The policy brief discusses the role of wage policies, including living wages, in advancing decent work and social justice. It highlights wage trends, persistent inequalities, the importance of minimum wage systems, and the need for evidence-based wage-setting processes through social dialogue.

This brief underscores the critical role of the care economy in advancing decent work, gender equality, and social development. It calls for bold investments, policy coherence, and transformative action to address care gaps and ensure fair, inclusive, and sustainable societies.

This brief calls for decisive multilateral action to reduce inequalities within and between countries, emphasizing the role of decent work, social protection, and inclusive policies in tackling economic disparities and strengthening social cohesion.

This brief explores the widespread challenge of informality in the world of work and its impact on rights, productivity, and social justice. It highlights the need for integrated strategies and strong partnerships to support a sustainable transition to formality.

This policy brief highlights the need for urgent policy action to tackle high youth NEET rates and promote decent work, especially for young women and in Africa. It calls for greater investment to ensure brighter futures and social justice.

This brief highlights the urgent need to uphold fundamental principles and rights at work as universal human rights essential to fair globalization. It presents alarming global data and calls for renewed commitment and transformative action to tackle persistent inequalities and decent work deficits.

This policy brief underscores the critical role of universal social protection as a prerequisite for advancing social development and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It highlights coverage gaps, the need for increased investment, and the importance of social protection in addressing poverty, inequality, employment challenges, and global crises.

This brief underscores the vital role of migrant workers in the global economy, particularly in the services and care sectors. It outlines key ILO priorities for promoting fair, well-governed, and rights-based labour migration systems.

This brief highlights the need for integrated, inclusive skills and lifelong learning systems to address global labour market mismatches and prepare for green and digital transitions. It outlines policy priorities to align education, training, and employment strategies for sustainable, equitable growth.

This brief presents the main findings of the Latin America and Caribbean consultation held in preparation for the Second World Summit for Social Development, organized by UNRISD in collaboration with the Latin American Council for Social Sciences (CLACSO). The consultation assessed regional progress since 1995, examined persistent and emerging challenges, and gathered diverse perspectives from across the region to help shape the Summit’s discussions. It highlights the region’s priorities and experiences as essential contributions to advancing inclusive and sustainable social development globally.

This brief (ES) presents the main findings of the Mexico consultation held on 6 June 2025 in preparation for the Second World Summit for Social Development and the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development. The event was organized by UNRISD in collaboration with the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), El Colegio de México, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mexico, and the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC). The consultation gathered academics, policymakers and civil society representatives to discuss key concerns and effective policy solutions in the context of today’s global polycrisis. It highlights Mexico’s perspectives and commitment to multilateralism as important contributions to advancing inclusive and sustainable social development globally. 

This brief presents the main findings of the Central Asia consultation held in preparation for the Second World Summit for Social Development, organized by UNRISD in collaboration with the Social Policy Lab under the National Agency for Social Protection of Uzbekistan. The consultation gathered regional experts to bring Central Asian voices into the drafting of the Summit’s political declaration, complementing earlier dialogues across Asia. It assessed social development progress since 1995, examined persistent and emerging challenges unique to the sub-region, and provided policy analysis to inform the Summit’s process. It highlights Central Asia’s priorities and experiences as vital contributions to advancing inclusive and sustainable social development globally.

This brief presents the main findings of the Nordic consultation held in preparation for the Second World Summit for Social Development, organized by UNRISD in collaboration with Fingo, the umbrella organization of Finnish development NGOs. The consultation brought together Nordic stakeholders to review achievements since 1995, examine contemporary social development priorities and challenges, and contribute regional perspectives to help shape the Summit’s discussions. It highlights lessons from the Nordic model and the region’s experiences as important contributions to advancing inclusive and sustainable social development globally.