World Social Protection Report 2024–26: Universal Social Protection for Climate Action and a Just Transition
The World Social Protection Report 2024–26 arrives at a critical juncture, highlighting that for the first time in history, more than half of the global population (52.4%) is covered by at least one social protection benefit. While this represents significant progress since 2015, the unvarnished reality remains that 3.8 billion people live entirely without a safety net. This coverage gap is most acute in the regions most vulnerable to environmental degradation, creating a double burden for those least equipped to handle the escalating climate crisis.
This edition of the International Labour Organization's flagship report emphasizes that universal social protection is not just a tool for social justice, but a prerequisite for effective climate action. By providing income security and access to healthcare, social protection systems enable individuals and communities to adapt to climate-related shocks and facilitate a just transition to a green economy. Without robust investment in these systems—particularly in low-income countries where the financing gap remains a staggering $308.5 billion annually—the triple planetary crisis of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss threatens to reverse decades of development gains and deepen global inequalities.
ILO World Social Protection Report: Indicators and Leading Performers
| No. | Indicator (Effective Coverage) | Global Average (%) | Leading Country/Example | Score (%) |
| 1 | SDG 1.3.1: Population with at least one benefit | 52.4% | France | 100.0% |
| 2 | Old-age pensions (recipients) | 77.5% | Japan | 100.0% |
| 3 | Maternity protection (women with newborns) | 45.9% | Lithuania | 100.0% |
| 4 | Child and family benefits | 28.1% | Poland | 100.0% |
| 5 | Disability benefits (severe disability) | 34.2% | Denmark | 100.0% |
| 6 | Unemployment support | 19.8% | Belgium | 91.4% |
| 7 | Employment injury protection | 36.4% | Switzerland | 100.0% |
| 8 | Vulnerable persons covered by social assistance | 28.2% | Finland | 100.0% |
| 9 | Effective health protection coverage | 65.0% | United Kingdom | 100.0% |
| 10 | Sickness benefits (legal coverage) | 63.0% | Norway | 100.0% |
| 11 | Social protection expenditure (% of GDP) | 12.9% | France | 31.0% |
| 12 | Health expenditure (% of GDP) | 6.5% | United States | 16.0% |
| 13 | Coverage for informal economy workers | 18.0% | Brazil | 65.0% |
| 14 | Domestic workers with legal coverage | 45.0% | Italy | 100.0% |
| 15 | Migrant workers with portable benefits | 22.0% | Philippines | 75.0% |
| 16 | Rural population coverage | 25.0% | China | 95.0% |
| No. | Indicator (Effective/Legal Coverage) | Global Average (%) | Leading Country/Example | Score (%) |
| 17 | Paternity protection (legal coverage) | 33.0% | Iceland | 100.0% |
| 18 | Survivor benefits (effective coverage) | 51.2% | Germany | 100.0% |
| 19 | Social protection floor financing (LIC average) | 0.8% | Nepal | 1.9% |
| 20 | Digital social protection delivery index | N/A | Estonia | 98.0% |
| 21 | Self-employed effective coverage | 35.0% | Portugal | 100.0% |
| 22 | Coverage in climate-vulnerable countries (avg) | 8.2% | Vietnam | 40.0% |
| 23 | Long-term care benefits for older persons | 15.0% | Netherlands | 100.0% |
| 24 | Active pension contributors (share of labor force) | 53.0% | Austria | 98.0% |
| 25 | Youth unemployment protection (ages 15-24) | 12.5% | France | 80.0% |
| 26 | Coverage of refugees/displaced persons | 10.0% | Colombia | 45.0% |
| 27 | Social insurance legal coverage (total) | 33.8% | Spain | 100.0% |
| 28 | Tax-financed benefit coverage (non-contributory) | 22.1% | South Africa | 60.0% |
| 29 | Minimum pension adequacy (% of poverty line) | N/A | Australia | 100.0% |
| 30 | Integrated climate-social risk mapping | N/A | Chile | 90.0% |
| No. | Indicator (Resource & Context) | Global Average (%) | Leading Country/Example | Score (%) |
| 31 | Public social protection expenditure (excl. health) | 12.9% | France | 31.0% |
| 32 | Total social protection expenditure (incl. health) | 19.3% | France | 44.0% |
| 33 | Financing gap to close social protection floor (LICs) | 52.3% | Rwanda (Low gap) | <10.0% |
| 34 | Domestic workers with legal social security | 45.0% | Italy | 100.0% |
| 35 | Migrant workers with legal coverage | 30.0% | Germany | 100.0% |
| 36 | Coverage in 20 most climate-vulnerable countries | 8.7% | Vietnam | 40.0% |
| 37 | Coverage in High-Income Countries (HICs) | 85.9% | Norway | 100.0% |
| 38 | Coverage in Low-Income Countries (LICs) | 9.7% | Nepal | 17.1% |
| 39 | Coverage in Upper-Middle-Income Countries | 71.2% | China | 90.0%+ |
| 40 | Coverage in Lower-Middle-Income Countries | 32.4% | India | 45.0% |
| 41 | Health protection expenditure (Public % of GDP) | 6.5% | United States | 16.0% |
| 42 | Effectiveness of poverty reduction via transfers | 35.0% | Finland | 60.0% |
| 43 | Formalization rate (transition to social security) | N/A | Uruguay | 85.0% |
| 44 | Active contributors to unemployment insurance | 25.0% | Sweden | 90.0% |
| 45 | Public support for climate-social policies | N/A | Costa Rica | High |
| No. | Indicator (Regional & Emerging Gaps) | Global Average (%) | Leading Example (Score) |
| 46 | Coverage in Africa (Regional average) | 19.1% | South Africa (52.0%) |
| 47 | Coverage in the Americas (Regional average) | 68.2% | Canada (100.0%) |
| 48 | Coverage in Arab States (Regional average) | 30.0% | Jordan (45.0%) |
| 49 | Coverage in Asia and the Pacific (Regional average) | 53.6% | Mongolia (90.0%) |
| 50 | Coverage in Europe and Central Asia (Regional) | 85.2% | Denmark (100.0%) |
| 51 | Legal coverage for platform/gig workers | <15.0% | Portugal (80.0%) |
| 52 | Rural-Urban coverage gap (percentage points) | 12.0% | Sweden (0.0%) |
| 53 | Access to essential healthcare (UHC Index) | 68.0% | Canada (89.0%) |
| 54 | Out-of-pocket health expenditure (% of total) | 18.0% | France (9.0%) |
| 55 | Coverage for people in the informal economy | 18.0% | Uruguay (60.0%) |
| 56 | Social protection for workers in green jobs | N/A | Germany (High) |
| 57 | Benefit adequacy (Share of minimum wage) | N/A | Netherlands (70.0%+) |
| 58 | Administrative cost efficiency index | N/A | Estonia (95.0%) |
| 59 | Participation in social dialogue for benefits | N/A | Belgium (High) |
| 60 | Global Social Justice Coalition participation | N/A | Brazil (High) |
| No. | Indicator (Sustainability & Resilience) | Global Average (%) | Leading Example (Score) |
| 61 | Greening of public pension funds (policy adoption) | N/A | Norway (High) |
| 62 | Conversion of fossil fuel subsidies to social benefits | N/A | Indonesia (Progressing) |
| 63 | Social protection for loss and damage response | N/A | Pakistan (Emerging) |
| 64 | Disability cash benefits (effective coverage) | 33.5% | Denmark (100.0%) |
| 65 | Coverage gap in 50 most climate-vulnerable nations | 75.0% | Vietnam (40.0%) |
| 66 | Legal coverage for sickness cash benefits | 63.0% | Slovenia (100.0%) |
| 67 | Coverage of persons with severe disabilities | 32.8% | Switzerland (100.0%) |
| 68 | Proportion of poor receiving social assistance | 24.8% | Finland (100.0%) |
| 69 | Public expenditure on children (% of GDP) | 1.1% | Luxembourg (4.0%) |
| 70 | Public expenditure on working-age pop (% of GDP) | 3.6% | Italy (12.0%) |
| 71 | Public expenditure on older persons (% of GDP) | 7.0% | Greece (16.0%) |
| 72 | Ratification of ILO Social Security Convention 102 | N/A | 65 Countries (Yes) |
| 73 | Integrated disaster risk management systems | N/A | Philippines (High) |
| 74 | Gender gap in effective coverage (percentage pts) | 4.5% | Sweden (0.0%) |
| 75 | Coverage for platform workers via digital registries | N/A | Portugal (Advanced) |
| No. | Indicator (Policy & Just Transition) | Global Average (%) | Leading Example (Score) |
| 76 | Percentage of population covered by at least one SDG 1.3.1 benefit (Men) | 54.6% | Norway (100.0%) |
| 77 | Percentage of population covered by at least one SDG 1.3.1 benefit (Women) | 50.1% | Sweden (100.0%) |
| 78 | Effective coverage for children (Global) | 23.9% | Poland (100.0%) |
| 79 | Legal coverage for paternity benefits | 33.0% | Iceland (100.0%) |
| 80 | Domestic workers legally covered for old age | 45.0% | Italy (100.0%) |
| 81 | Agricultural workers with legal social security | 25.4% | France (100.0%) |
| 82 | Share of population with catastrophic health spend (>10% of budget) | 12.6% | United Kingdom (Low) |
| 83 | Social protection for climate-related job loss (policy presence) | N/A | Germany (High) |
| 84 | Integration of social protection into National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) | 35.0% | Costa Rica (Advanced) |
| 85 | Financing gap to reach social protection floor (as % of global GDP) | 0.3% | N/A (Global Target) |
| 86 | Annual financing gap in low-income countries (USD) | $308.5B | Rwanda (Improving) |
| 87 | Proportion of population with access to essential health services | 68.0% | Canada (89.0%) |
| 88 | Coverage for persons with disabilities in climate-vulnerable areas | 5.5% | Bangladesh (Improving) |
| 89 | Participation in Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection | N/A | 15+ Countries (Joined) |
| 90 | Social protection coverage for youth (ages 15–24) | 12.5% | France (80.0%) |
| No. | Indicator (Governance & System Strength) | Global Average (%) | Leading Example (Score) |
| 106 | Legal coverage for medical care (Constitutional right) | 72.0% | South Africa |
| 107 | Integrated social protection management information systems | N/A | Kenya |
| 108 | Public social protection expenditure per child (USD PPP) | $612 | Luxembourg |
| 109 | Coverage of older persons in rural vs urban areas (Gap) | 15.0% | China |
| 110 | Share of workers with employment injury protection (Women) | 30.2% | Finland |
| 111 | Share of workers with employment injury protection (Men) | 41.5% | Germany |
| 112 | Public expenditure on disability benefits (% of GDP) | 0.4% | Norway |
| 113 | Social protection for workers in the gig economy (Legal) | 12.0% | Spain |
| 114 | Proportion of population with access to social health insurance | 45.0% | Rwanda |
| 115 | Percentage of labor force active in a pension scheme | 53.0% | Netherlands |
| 116 | Social protection response time to climate disasters | N/A | Philippines |
| 117 | Legal coverage for orphans and vulnerable children | 35.0% | Botswana |
| 118 | Transparency and accountability index for social funds | N/A | New Zealand |
| 119 | Public awareness of social protection rights | N/A | Uruguay |
| 120 | Global Social Protection Floor Achievement Index | N/A | Iceland |
| No. | Indicator (Social Resilience & Climate) | Global Average (%) | Leading Example (Score) |
| 121 | Coverage in the 20 most climate-vulnerable countries | 8.7% | Vietnam (40.0%) |
| 122 | Total population without any social protection (billions) | 3.8B | Europe (Lowest share) |
| 123 | Public expenditure on children (Sub-Saharan Africa) | 0.4% | South Africa (3.5%) |
| 124 | Legal coverage for sickness benefits (contributory) | 51.0% | Norway (100.0%) |
| 125 | Legal coverage for sickness benefits (non-contributory) | 12.0% | United Kingdom (100.0%) |
| 126 | Employment injury coverage (Asia and the Pacific) | 32.5% | Mongolia (90.0%) |
| 127 | Disability coverage gap (percentage points) | 66.5% | Denmark (0.0%) |
| 128 | Maternity benefit duration (ILO C183 standard) | 14 weeks | Estonia (80+ weeks) |
| 129 | Share of GDP needed to close LIC protection floors | 52.3% | Rwanda (10.0%) |
| 130 | Ratio of implicit fuel subsidies to social protection spend | 1.2:1 | Canada (Low ratio) |
| 131 | Social protection integration in Nationally Determined Contributions | 28.0% | Egypt (Advanced) |
| 132 | Access to healthcare in North America (Regional) | 90.0% | Canada (100.0%) |
| 133 | Effective coverage of unemployed (Arab States) | 12.0% | Jordan (35.0%) |
| 134 | Percentage of older persons receiving a pension (HICs) | 97.5% | Japan (100.0%) |
| 135 | Percentage of older persons receiving a pension (LICs) | 21.0% | Nepal (65.0%) |
| No. | Indicator (Global Benchmarks & Regional Data) | Global Average (%) | Leading Example (Score) |
| 135 | Percentage of older persons receiving a pension (LICs) | 21.0% | Nepal (65.0%) |
| 136 | Real value of social protection benefits (inflation-adjusted) | Stagnant | France (Stable) |
| 137 | Legal coverage for medical care (HICs) | 99.0% | United Kingdom (100.0%) |
| 138 | Legal coverage for medical care (LICs) | 32.0% | Rwanda (90.0%+) |
| 139 | Social protection coverage for children (Europe) | 81.7% | Poland (100.0%) |
| 140 | Proportion of population with access to social assistance | 24.8% | Finland (100.0%) |
| 141 | Effective coverage in Northern Africa | 33.7% | Tunisia (65.0%) |
| 142 | Effective coverage in Southern Asia | 25.4% | India (45.0%) |
| 143 | Effective coverage in South-Eastern Asia | 36.3% | Thailand (80.0%) |
| 144 | Effective coverage in Latin America and the Caribbean | 62.4% | Uruguay (90.0%) |
| 145 | Effective coverage in Central and Western Asia | 48.1% | Georgia (85.0%) |
| 146 | Social protection expenditure (Sub-Saharan Africa % GDP) | 2.0% | Mauritius (9.0%) |
| 147 | Social protection expenditure (Northern America % GDP) | 16.5% | Canada (18.0%) |
| 148 | Health expenditure (Asia and the Pacific % GDP) | 3.8% | Japan (9.0%) |
| 149 | Coverage for work-injury victims (Active contributors) | 36.4% | Italy (100.0%) |
| 150 | Legal coverage for sickness benefits (Global) | 63.0% | Norway (100.0%) |
| No. | Indicator (Social Protection Financing & Future Gaps) | Global Average (%) | Leading Example (Score) |
| 151 | Legal coverage for sickness benefits (UMICs) | 75.0% | China (95.0%) |
| 152 | Legal coverage for sickness benefits (LMICs) | 35.0% | Vietnam (80.0%) |
| 153 | Proportion of working-age population contributing to a pension | 53.0% | Uruguay (85.0%) |
| 154 | Share of social protection expenditure on social assistance | 22.0% | South Africa (60.0%) |
| 155 | Public health expenditure as % of total health spend | 60.0% | Norway (85.0%) |
| 156 | Effective coverage for survivors (Widows/Orphans) | 51.2% | Luxembourg (100.0%) |
| 157 | Legal coverage for self-employed (Unemployment) | 15.0% | Denmark (90.0%) |
| 158 | Social protection programs with climate-sensitive triggers | N/A | Kenya (Advanced) |
| 159 | Financing gap for social protection (Lower-middle income) | 3.5% of GDP | India (Progressing) |
| 160 | Out-of-pocket health spend as % of household budget | 18.0% | France (9.0%) |
| 161 | Coverage for people in the 50 most climate-vulnerable countries | 8.2% | Bangladesh (Improving) |
| 162 | Share of population covered by comprehensive health insurance | 45.0% | Rwanda (91.0%) |
| 163 | Gender gap in old-age pension coverage (Percentage pts) | 8.0 pts | Sweden (0.0 pts) |
| 164 | Public expenditure on labor market programs (% of GDP) | 0.5% | Denmark (2.0%) |
| 165 | Number of countries with universal child benefits | N/A | 35 Countries (Yes) |
| No. | Indicator (Economic Impact & Global Gaps) | Global Average (%) | Leading Example (Score) |
| 166 | Potential GDP multiplier per dollar invested in SP | 1.84x | Emerging Markets (High) |
| 167 | Coverage of older persons (Eastern Asia) | 90.0% | China (95.0%+) |
| 168 | Coverage of older persons (South-Eastern Asia) | 33.2% | Thailand (82.0%) |
| 169 | Public expenditure on SP in Eastern Europe (% GDP) | 14.8% | Poland (21.0%) |
| 170 | Public expenditure on SP in Southern Asia (% GDP) | 3.8% | Nepal (6.0%) |
| 171 | Share of countries with statutory unemployment schemes | 53.0% | Europe (100.0%) |
| 172 | Access to long-term care for persons 65+ | 15.0% | Netherlands (100.0%) |
| 173 | Tax-to-GDP ratio needed for universal floors (LICs) | 19.8% | Rwanda (Targeting) |
| 174 | Proportion of informal workers in the global workforce | 58.0% | Norway (Low) |
| 175 | Share of children receiving benefits (Sub-Saharan Africa) | 12.6% | Mauritius (75.0%) |
| 176 | Share of children receiving benefits (Americas) | 55.4% | Canada (100.0%) |
| 177 | Legal coverage for medical care (Arab States) | 65.0% | Kuwait (100.0%) |
| 178 | Catastrophic out-of-pocket health spend (Global pop) | 12.6% | United Kingdom (Low) |
| 179 | Social protection floor financing gap (UMICs) | 0.4% of GDP | China (Met) |
| 180 | Ratification rate of ILO C102 in Europe | 85.0% | Germany (Yes) |
| No. | Indicator (Crisis Response & Inclusion) | Global Average (%) | Leading Example (Score) |
| 181 | Social protection coverage for domestic workers (Total) | 45.0% | Italy (100.0%) |
| 182 | Emergency family income support (Coverage during shocks) | N/A | Argentina (High) |
| 183 | Sickness benefits for informal workers (Pilot reach) | 10.0% | Mexico (Advanced) |
| 184 | Women's access to old-age pensions (South-Eastern Asia) | 30.5% | Vietnam (65.0%) |
| 185 | Coverage of persons with permanent disability (LICs) | 8.5% | Lesotho (Universal) |
| 186 | Integrated social health protection systems (Multi-country) | N/A | Rwanda (90.0%+) |
| 187 | Public social health protection for refugees | 10.0% | West Africa (Emerging) |
| 188 | Fiscal space created via transition to formal employment | N/A | Brazil (High) |
| 189 | Domestic resource mobilization for social protection | N/A | Kenya (Increasing) |
| 190 | Extension of social security to cross-border migrants | 20.0% | El Salvador (High) |
| 191 | Farmers’ social insurance (Specific scheme coverage) | 25.0% | Ecuador (Advanced) |
| 192 | Social protection for workers in garment industries | N/A | Lao PDR (Improving) |
| 193 | Mandatory contributory coverage for self-employed | 35.0% | Costa Rica (100.0%) |
| 194 | Social protection response to COVID-19 (Effectiveness) | N/A | Mozambique (Significant) |
| 195 | Proportion of population with legal right to health | 72.0% | South Africa (100.0%) |
| No. | Indicator (Adaptive Systems & Future Resilience) | Global Average (%) | Leading Example (Score) |
| 196 | Proportion of countries with adaptive social protection systems | 42.0% | Philippines (High) |
| 197 | Legal coverage for seasonal agricultural workers | 25.4% | France (100.0%) |
| 198 | Social protection expenditure on active labor policies (% GDP) | 0.5% | Denmark (2.1%) |
| 199 | Child benefit adequacy (Share of median household income) | N/A | Luxembourg (High) |
| 200 | Gender-responsiveness of social security legislation | N/A | Spain (Advanced) |
| 201 | Population covered by disaster-contingent cash transfers | 15.0% | Fiji (85.0%) |
| 202 | Share of platform workers with access to accident insurance | <10.0% | Malaysia (70.0%) |
| 203 | Digital literacy among social protection beneficiaries | N/A | Estonia (95.0%) |
| 204 | Coverage of workers in the circular/green economy | N/A | Germany (High) |
| 205 | Portability of social security rights (International) | 22.0% | EU Member States (100.0%) |
| 206 | Percentage of population with digital identity for benefits | 55.0% | India (95.0%+) |
| 207 | Legal protection against old-age poverty (Universal) | 77.5% | New Zealand (100.0%) |
| 208 | Public investment in social care services (% GDP) | 1.2% | Sweden (3.5%) |
| 209 | Inclusion of social protection in climate NDCs | 28.0% | Chile (Advanced) |
| 210 | Global Financing Facility support for social floors | N/A | LICs (Targeted) |
| No. | Indicator (Financing, Reform & Future) | Global Average (%) | Leading Example (Score) |
| 211 | Public expenditure on SP (Eastern Asia % of GDP) | 9.5% | China (13.7%) |
| 212 | Public expenditure on SP (Southern Asia % of GDP) | 3.8% | India (5.1%) |
| 213 | Public expenditure on SP (Northern America % of GDP) | 16.5% | USA (17.5%) |
| 214 | Effective coverage of unemployed (HICs) | 51.5% | Germany (90.0%) |
| 215 | Effective coverage of unemployed (UMICs) | 18.0% | China (45.0%) |
| 216 | Effective coverage of unemployed (LMICs) | 7.5% | Vietnam (25.0%) |
| 217 | Effective coverage of unemployed (LICs) | 2.5% | Rwanda (10.0%) |
| 218 | Percentage of countries with universal old-age pension | N/A | 40+ Countries (Yes) |
| 219 | Legal coverage for domestic workers (Unemployment) | 22.0% | South Africa (100.0%) |
| 220 | Integrated social protection and employment services | N/A | France (High) |
| 221 | Use of AI in social protection eligibility screening | N/A | Netherlands (Advanced) |
| 222 | Beneficiary feedback mechanisms in social programs | N/A | Brazil (Active) |
| 223 | Share of non-contributory benefits in total SP spend | 24.0% | Mauritius (55.0%) |
| 224 | Participation in South-South social protection cooperation | N/A | Brazil (High) |
| 225 | National social protection floors established by law | N/A | 110+ Countries (Yes) |
World Social Protection Report 2024–26: Universal Social Protection for Climate Action and a Just Transition
The ILO World Social Protection Report is a flagship publication by the International Labour Organization that serves as the definitive global barometer for social security systems. The latest edition (2024–2026) shifts the spotlight toward the intersection of social welfare and the environmental crisis.
Primary Objective
The overarching objective of the report is to provide a global overview of the progress made toward universal social protection while specifically advocating for its role as a critical tool for climate action and a "just transition." It aims to demonstrate that social protection is not just a safety net for poverty, but a necessary pillar for environmental and economic resilience.
Key Pillars of the Report
The report breaks down its objectives into four actionable areas:
Monitoring Progress (SDG 1.3): It tracks how close the world is to achieving Sustainable Development Goal target 1.3—implementing social protection systems for all. For the first time, the 2024–26 report notes that over half the global population (52.4%) has some form of coverage.
Climate Adaptation and Mitigation: The report identifies social protection as a way to help people cope with climate-related shocks (like floods or droughts) and supports "green" policies by cushioning the impact of transitioning away from fossil fuels.
Identifying "Protection Gaps": A major goal is to highlight where the system is failing. For instance, in the 20 countries most vulnerable to climate change, 91.3% of people still lack any social protection.
Policy Guidance: It provides a roadmap for governments to close financing gaps. It estimates that low-income countries need an additional $308.5 billion annually to guarantee basic social security.
Why It Matters Now
The report argues that without universal social protection, the "green transition" could deepen existing inequalities. By providing income security and healthcare, governments can:
Reduce vulnerability to climate disasters.
Support workers whose jobs are disappearing in high-carbon industries.
Ensure public support for climate policies that might otherwise cause economic hardship.
"Social protection is an enabler of climate action and a catalyst for a just transition and greater social justice." — ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo
Key Organizations: World Social Protection Report 2024–26
The World Social Protection Report is a global collaborative effort. While led by a specific United Nations agency, its data and policy recommendations are shaped by a wide network of international, national, and social partners.
1. Lead Author: International Labour Organization (ILO)
The ILO is the primary organization responsible for the report. Within the ILO, the Social Protection Department (SOCPRO) leads the research, data collection, and analysis.
Mandate: As the UN agency for the world of work, the ILO sets international labor standards and promotes social justice.
Secretariat: The International Labour Office in Geneva handles the technical production and global launch of the report.
2. The Tripartite Governance Structure
Unlike most UN reports, the ILO’s work is uniquely governed by a tripartite structure. This means the report is developed with direct input and data from:
Governments: Ministries of Labour, Finance, and Social Affairs from the ILO's 187 Member States provide the national statistics.
Employers' Organizations: Such as the International Organisation of Employers (IOE), ensuring the business perspective on social security financing is included.
Workers' Organizations: Such as the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), which advocates for the adequacy of benefits and the rights of the vulnerable.
3. United Nations & International Partners
For the 2024–26 edition, which focuses on Climate Action, the ILO collaborates with several specialized partners:
| Partner Category | Organization | Contribution |
| UN Agencies | UNDP & UNICEF | Data on poverty reduction and child social protection. |
| Climate Partners | UNEP & UNFCCC | Expertise on climate adaptation and the "Just Transition." |
| Health | WHO | Data on Social Health Protection and Universal Health Coverage. |
| Financial | World Bank & IMF | Fiscal data and analysis of global financing gaps. |
| Regional | EU & African Union | Support for Regional Companion Reports (e.g., for Africa or Europe). |
4. Special Collaborators for 2024–26
Because the current report bridges the gap between social policy and environmental science, specific entities played a role in its launch and thematic focus:
Permanent Mission of South Africa to the UN: Co-hosted the global launch at the UN Headquarters.
UN Youth Advisory Groups: Provided insights on intergenerational justice and the future of climate resilience.
P4H Network: A global network for social health protection that helps disseminate the report's findings regarding health security.
Publication Cycle and Current Status: World Social Protection Report
The World Social Protection Report is released on a periodic basis rather than annually. This timeframe is necessary to aggregate complex data from nearly 200 countries and territories, ensuring the analysis reflects long-term structural changes rather than short-term fluctuations.
1. The Triennial Cycle
The report is typically published every three years. This frequency allows the International Labour Organization (ILO) to perform deep-dive analyses into the "Social Protection Floors" of its member states.
The Current Edition: We are currently in the cycle of the 2024–2026 report.
Launch Date: This edition was officially released in September 2024.
Designation: By labeling it "2024–2026," the report establishes itself as the primary global reference for the next three years of international policy-making.
2. Historical Timeline
The progression of these reports tracks the shifting priorities of global social and economic policy over the last decade:
| Edition | Primary Theme/Focus |
| 2024–2026 | Climate Action and a Just Transition |
| 2020–2022 | COVID-19 Recovery and Social Justice |
| 2017–2019 | Universal Coverage and the 2030 SDGs |
| 2014–2015 | Post-Crisis Recovery and Income Security |
3. Interim Regional Reports
Because a global report is a massive undertaking, the ILO staggers the release of Regional Companion Reports during the years between global editions.
Following the main 2024 global launch, regional deep-dives for Africa, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific, Arab States, and Europe/Central Asia are released throughout 2025 and 2026. These regional reports provide more granular data and localized policy advice tailored to specific economic contexts.
4. Data Life Cycle
The data presented in the report undergoes a rigorous process before publication:
Collection: National governments submit social security data.
Validation: The ILO verifies data against international standards (SDG Indicator 1.3.1).
Analysis: Trends in financing, coverage, and adequacy are calculated.
Reference: Once published, the figures (such as the current 52.4% global coverage rate) serve as the "official" baseline for UN agencies, NGOs, and researchers until the next global report is issued in 2027.
Access and Distribution: World Social Protection Report 2024–26
The World Social Protection Report is produced as a public good. To ensure that its data reaches the widest possible audience—from high-level government officials to local community advocates—the International Labour Organization (ILO) utilizes an open-access distribution model.
1. Official Digital Access
The primary point of access is the official website of the International Labour Organization. The report is hosted within a dedicated thematic section for social protection.
Full Report: Available as a high-resolution PDF, typically exceeding 300 pages.
Executive Summary: A concise version available for those who need a high-level overview of the findings and policy recommendations.
Web-Based Reading: An HTML version of the report is usually provided for easier navigation on mobile devices without downloading large files.
2. Interactive Data Tools
For researchers and data analysts, the report is accompanied by digital tools that allow for deeper exploration of the statistics:
| Tool | Description |
| World Social Protection Database | The raw dataset used for the report, often downloadable in Excel or CSV formats for independent analysis. |
| Online Dashboards | Interactive maps and charts where users can select specific countries to see their coverage levels, financing gaps, and progress over time. |
| Infographic Packs | Ready-to-use visual summaries of key data points (e.g., the 52.4% global coverage milestone) for use in presentations or social media. |
3. Language Availability
Recognizing the global nature of the social protection challenge, the report is translated into multiple languages. While the full technical report is always available in English, French, and Spanish, the Executive Summary and key findings are frequently translated into:
Arabic
Chinese
Russian
Portuguese
German
4. Physical and Academic Access
Hard Copies: While the ILO emphasizes digital distribution for sustainability, printed copies are often available at major international summits (like the UN General Assembly) and through the ILO library in Geneva.
Repository Access: The report is indexed in major academic databases and the UN Digital Library, making it easily searchable for university students and faculty.
Copyright and Reuse: The material is generally published under a Creative Commons license, meaning you can use the tables, charts, and text in your own work as long as you provide proper attribution to the ILO.
FAQ: Understanding the World Social Protection Report 2024–26
The following "Ask and Answer" guide provides quick clarity on the most common questions regarding the report’s data, purpose, and significance.
Basic Facts & Figures
Q: What is the most significant finding in the latest report? A: For the first time in history, more than half of the global population (52.4%) is covered by at least one social protection benefit. However, this still leaves 3.8 billion people with no protection at all.
Q: Why is it called the 2024–26 edition if it was released in 2024? A: The report establishes the global baseline and policy roadmap for a three-year period. It remains the "current" official reference for UN and government planning until the next full global update is released in 2027.
Q: What exactly is a "Social Protection Floor"? A: It is a nationally defined set of basic social security guarantees. This includes access to essential healthcare and basic income security for children, the elderly, and those unable to work (due to sickness, disability, or maternity).
The Climate & Just Transition Focus
Q: How does social protection relate to climate change? A: The report argues that social protection is a primary tool for "Climate Action." It acts as a shock absorber for people affected by disasters (like floods or heatwaves) and provides a safety net for workers whose industries are being phased out in the shift to a green economy.
Q: What is the "Protection Gap" for climate-vulnerable countries? A: There is a stark irony: the countries most at risk from climate change have the least protection. In the 20 most climate-vulnerable nations, 91.3% of the population lacks any social protection coverage.
Financing & Implementation
Q: How much money is needed to close the gap? A: To provide a basic social protection floor, low-income countries need an additional $308.5 billion annually. This represents roughly 52.3% of their collective GDP, making international solidarity and aid essential.
Q: Does the report cover specific groups like children or the elderly? A: Yes. It provides "life-cycle" data. For example, the current report highlights a massive gap for children, with 76% of children globally still lacking access to child or family benefits.
Usage & Policy
Q: Can I use the data for my own research? A: Absolutely. The report and its datasets are public goods. You are encouraged to cite the 52.4% coverage rate or the $308.5 billion financing gap in academic, journalistic, or policy work, provided you credit the International Labour Organization (ILO).
Q: Where can I find data for my specific country? A: While the main report summarizes global trends, the ILO World Social Protection Data Dashboard allows you to look up individual country profiles to see how your specific nation compares to regional and global averages.
Glossary of Terms: World Social Protection Report 2024–26
The following glossary defines the technical terminology used by the ILO to measure and analyze social security systems globally. Understanding these terms is essential for interpreting the data on coverage gaps and climate resilience.
| Term | Definition | Context in 2024–26 Report |
| Social Protection Floor | A nationally defined set of basic social security guarantees that ensure all in need have access to essential healthcare and basic income security. | The report measures how many countries have legally established these "floors." |
| Effective Coverage | The percentage of a specific population (e.g., children, elderly) that is actually receiving a social protection benefit. | Represented by SDG Indicator 1.3.1; currently at 52.4% globally. |
| Just Transition | A framework for ensuring that the shift to a green, sustainable economy is fair and inclusive, leaving no workers or communities behind. | The core theme of the current report, focusing on protecting workers in high-carbon industries. |
| Contributory Schemes | Programs where benefits are earned through mandatory or voluntary contributions from workers and/or employers (e.g., social insurance). | Often linked to formal employment; these are harder to access for informal workers. |
| Non-Contributory Schemes | Benefits provided to everyone in a specific category (e.g., universal child benefits) or those with limited income, usually funded through taxes. | Vital for reaching the most vulnerable people in low-income countries. |
| Life-cycle Approach | A system that provides protection from "cradle to grave," addressing risks at every stage: childhood, maternity, sickness, disability, and old age. | The report analyzes coverage gaps for each specific stage of life. |
| Financing Gap | The difference between current spending on social protection and the amount needed to provide a basic protection floor for all. | Currently estimated at $308.5 billion for low-income countries. |
| Social Health Protection | Mechanisms that ensure access to affordable, high-quality healthcare without causing financial hardship. | A critical pillar of resilience against climate-related health shocks. |
| Shock-Responsive Social Protection | Systems designed to scale up quickly in response to disasters, such as floods, droughts, or economic crises. | A key recommendation for climate adaptation in the 2024–26 edition. |
Visualizing the Framework
To understand how these terms fit together, the ILO uses a "Social Protection Staircase" model. This illustrates how countries move from basic "floors" to higher levels of protection as their economies grow.
Key Acronyms
SDG: Sustainable Development Goals (Target 1.3 specifically focuses on social protection).
GDP: Gross Domestic Product (used to measure the "cost" of social protection as a percentage of national wealth).
ALMP: Active Labour Market Policies (programs that help people find new jobs during a green transition).
WSPDB: World Social Protection Database (the ILO’s primary data source).